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TBD | Back To School… Without Phones
Aug 30, 2024
Laura Meckler, a national education writer for the Washington Post, joins Russell Shaw, head of Georgetown Day School and author, to discuss the effects of cell phone usage in educational settings. They explore how banning phones can reduce anxiety and foster genuine connections among students. Shaw shares insights from his school’s policy changes aimed at enhancing mental health. The conversation dives into the challenges educators face with technology’s impact on student interactions and overall well-being.
33:22
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Quick takeaways
- Banning cell phones in schools aims to enhance student engagement and restore genuine social interactions among peers.
- The increasing focus on mental health among adolescents has prompted educators to limit screen time to mitigate anxiety and isolation.
Deep dives
The Impact of Technology on Student Engagement
The head of Georgetown Day School has noticed a significant shift in student engagement over the years, with many students increasingly fixated on their devices instead of engaging with one another. This change has led to a reduction in spontaneous social interactions, diminishing the joy and connection traditionally experienced in a high school setting. With students finding comfort in their screens during social awkwardness, the result is often increased isolation rather than the desired social integration. The decision to ban phones stems from a desire to restore genuine connections among students and help them engage more meaningfully with their peers.
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