Dear Friends and Neighbors,
For most of our young people, the internet is where they socialize, find new music, and learn strange words they use to confuse their parents. It’s a normal part of growing up in a digital generation, but technology can be a source of stress. Children need occasional breaks to ground themselves in the world around them. That is why I support the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s (OSPI) recent recommendation schools in our state update their cell phone policies to ensure children aren’t distracted by their devices in class. Policies that ensure smartphones are only used as part of digital education classes or as an accessibility aid for our special education students will be good for students, teachers and our state.
Smartphones are an important part of modern adolescence, 95% of teenagers have one. A good education policy recognizes that and knows there is a correct place for technology in the classroom. We need programs encouraging media literacy, online safety, and digital citizenship. Still, there are times when children need a break from their phones, so they can focus on learning. As the parent of a child in our local public school, I applaud the state’s effort to help our students stay concentrated on their education.
Our children depend on us to teach them how to live a happy and healthy life in an increasingly digital world. OSPI’s recommendations strike the right balance: demonstrating positive mental health strategies, providing instruction on safely consuming digital media, and teaching children to put their phones away when it’s time to concentrate. I highly recommend you read the new report from the OSPI, where Superintendent Chris Reykdal puts best, “reducing the use of cell phones in class improves concentration and learning, improves mental and physical health, and reduces pressures caused by social media.”
Sincerely,
