Several educators are leaving the teaching profession because of
burnout, low pay rates, and difficult student behaviour problems. Social media
has recently revealed that “iPad Kid” is another factor.
The emergence of
the “iPad Kid”
A TikTok user named Andra, who has experience as a nanny, blames
excessive screen time for the nightmarish behaviour she witnesses in some
children. She argues that unrestricted access to tablets creates poorly behaved
youngsters with limited attention spans and social skills.
Andra says her experience caring for children aligns with
research on the negative effects of excessive screen time on a child's mental
health. These effects can include difficulty managing emotions, problems
focusing, and speech delays.
She believes some parents are essentially using tablets as
electronic babysitters, with disastrous consequences. The constant stream of
stimulation from these devices may also be hindering children's creativity and
imagination.
The Tablet Tantrum: Setting Boundaries
The nanny blames parents for not being able to set proper
boundaries and to enforce rules regarding screen time. The result is tantrums
and aggressive behaviours when access is denied.
Yet, she does not criticize tablets entirely. According to her, there can be
situations when a kid would be kept busy by tablets, while dining out.
She puts the burden of raising well-adjusted children on the shoulders of
parents. Parents must fix the problem by setting rules for screen time and
limiting the use to ensure good development.
Is Technology a Boon or Bane in the Classroom?
The second part of the article talks about technology in school.
While some people believe that technology will enhance education, many teachers
report that students' behaviour is a problem when using the device during
class.
Those who are critical of the mass application of technology in schools also
have concerns that critical thinking and retention of information would be
deleteriously affected. It is presumed that their schooling, based on
traditional approaches such as books and class discussions, would serve them
better than new technologies.
Re-thinking the Place of Technology in Learning
The paper concludes by urging a re-thinking of the place of technology in
learning. It underlines the importance of stressing critical thinking and
social interaction in learning.
