The media, new tech devices, video games, cellular phones, phone apps, the Internet, have changed and colored our world in ways we could not have imagined even thirty years ago. Technology is a major part of our everyday lives and has found its way into the classrooms of America.  In fact, many schools are requiring students “do” their homework and much of their learning using technology. Some might say education is on the verge of replacing teachers with computers. This would be a mistake; for although modern technology can be used as an educational tool, that is what it should be--a tool--tool that is used sparingly. The positive impact of tech on our lives cannot be disputed, but it should not be the major vehicle for learning.  The negative effects are not inconsequential and they need to be addressed for this abundance of technology is harming the physical, mental and emotional development of the upcoming generation. The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow and their health, well-being, and future must be protected.

Part of the problem is the continual bombardment of technology on the young. We are a digital society. Kids wake up to the sound of their digital cellphone alarm.  They head to the bathroom plugged in with earphones to listen to music while getting ready for school.  They check their phone to see what they need to do for the day and then head downstairs for breakfast, all the while texting their friends. And more than likely the TV is already on as background noise. They head to class and are now on their iPads for a majority of the school day. They jump on the bus at days’ end plugged into their iPhone, and upon hitting home head to their rooms to play video games, watch TV, and use the computer to complete their homework all the while texting their friends. The phone is even used as an intercom as parents use it to call their kids to dinner, if they even eat dinner as a family.  More American households dine in front of the TV than around a dinner table. It is not an over-exaggeration to say that most of a young person’s  waking hours are spent in front of a screen while plugged in to a cellular device. What researchers and doctors alike are finding is that this overuse of technology is the culprit of a sensory imbalance in young people which is negatively affecting neurological development.  Touch and attachment is becoming under-stimulated while visual and auditory systems are becoming over-stimulated.  This imbalance is the reason they are seeing impaired and altered brain anatomy, chemistry and pathways in children.  The New York Times article Technology Changing How Students Learn, Teachers Say reports that, “nearly 90% said that digital technologies were creating an easily distracted generation with short attention spans.”  After analyzing over 50 studies in this area of research, Patricia Greenfield, a professor at UCLA, believes this shortened attention span ultimately is the reason kids are not able to focus and take the time they need to figure out complicated problems on a cognitive level. Even CNN reported that technology “may actually be changing how our brains work.” “Multimedia content has been linked in some kids to limited attention span, lower comprehension, poor focus, greater risk of depression and diminished long-term memory.” This is a great disservice to the next generation.

The fact that schools are using technology to such a wide degree is causing much speculation that teachers could potentially be replaced by tech-devices in the not so distant future.  Proof of this is the explosion in the number of online classes offered at the collegiate level.  And in elementary schools across the country right now young kids are learning by playing educational interactive games and using programs like Rosetta Stone to learn languages. Totally replacing teachers with machines will hurt children’s learning experiences as well as their social skills. A child’s continual daily technology will impair his verbal and communication skills. The New York Times also commented on a study done where they found that “about 60 percent said it hindered students’ ability to write and communicate face to face.”  Furthermore, the lack of teachers challenging and encouraging students will negatively impact students reaching their full potential!

Hunched over computer screens for extended amounts of time (all day and night at home and at school) is also causing physical harm.  Not only is posture affected, but students are complaining of physical discomfort, specifically neck and back problems, stemming from laptop use. Obesity, due to lack of physical fitness, is another concern. Children need physical activity if they are to keep a healthy weight and fitness level, and if kids spend an exorbitant amount of time sitting in front of a screen, TV or computer, leading to a sedentary lifestyle, their health will suffer.   Cheryl Bennett presented a 2002 study at a conference of the International Occupational Ergonomics and Safety Association and reported that 60% of the students 10-17 years old complained of neck and back discomfort. Doctors are also finding coordination disorders and repetitive stress injuries in children.

 Unmonitored use of the Internet at home and at school opens the window to exposing young children to inappropriate material and to unsavory characters who may contact them through the Internet.  Society is seeing the effects of cyber-bullying and sexting right now.  Outside forces can also come into a kid’s life through the Internet and can skew a kid’s way of thinking on issues and going a step further, predators can put young people at risk for great harm.

Although there are many negatives to children using technology in the classroom, there are positives.  Students have new information to educational resources at their fingertips which can increase their knowledge.  By having that availability at school all students have equal access. More and more jobs require the use of computer proficiency and by learning technology at an early age in school, when young people come of age they will be able to plug into the job market more readily.  Like it or not technology is here to stay and will continue to dominate society. Students need to be prepared for that reality.

Ultimately, the extensive and prolific use and overuse of technology by children at school is hurtful, especially when they are exposed to so much technology already at home.  The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow and their health, well-being, an future must be protected.