Debate rages on how best to address kids’ use of iPhones as an educational tool in schools

BY PAUL JUNOR

There is no doubt that it has been challenging for: educators, teachers and parents to navigate and regulate teenagers’ use of iPhones at schools where their learning conditions are very important.

Dr. John Burkey, Executive Director of the Lasger Unit District Association of Illinois and Adjunct professor at Northern Illinois University provides his thoughts and reflections to this issue.

He presented his views on the “De Facto Leaders” podcast hosted by Dr. Karen Dukek-Bannan, Professional Development and Learning Specialist, SKP and Founder/CEO of Dr. Karen L. L on Wednesday, December 6^th, 2023. He elaborates on his personal and professional experiences working with educators, principals and superintendents as educational leaders at the forefront of tech initiatives in schools particularly those in the state of Illinois.

One of the questions that Dr. Burkey addressed was, “How the invention of the iPhone has impacted students’ mental health and ability to engage in the learning process.” He mentioned that January 9^th, 2007, was a pivotal date as it was the day when the iPhone was introduced to the world by Steve Jobs. Within three to four years after this, most people bought either Android or iPhones and between 2011 and 2012, many teenagers were using Smartphones. He observes that since then, there has been a rapid rise in teenagers’ emotional disorders and emotional issues, especially among girls. This was accelerated even more during the COVID-19 pandemic. He states that there is evidence showing that there is a strong correlation between cell phone use and the rise in these mental health disorders.

He posed a further question, “What is it about cell phones that is causing the increase in these emotional challenges?” He responded, “Kids do not have the attention span like they did in the past because of cell phones and other technologies to engage in the traditional classroom.” He noted that if students are not successful in school, they will not feel good about themselves and subsequently they may not like school, which could lead to emotional issues.

In addition, the nature of teenagers’ relationships with each other is affected by their usage of cell phones. He states, “They are using it as a primary way to connect and they are using it 24/7. Furthermore, it is important to be cognizant of the fact that cell phones are an integral part of many of the issues that kids are dealing with.” If this is ignored, we cannot help kids further.

The widespread use of cell phones and the fact that parents are connected to their kids have contributed to an overreliance on them.

Schools have adopted diverse strategies to help kids deal and cope with their cell phones. Dr. Burkey posed a further question, “How do we teach kids better management of the device?” Many school boards are thinking about strategies to help kids navigate their use of cell phones so that they can use them responsibly. He believes that moderation is the key and extremes on both sides will not be helpful to them.

He observes that Utah has adopted strict laws which require age identity be proven before kids can access certain apps. Dr. Burkey states that one of the best things that parents can do for their kids is to get cell phones out of the bedroom. It is not a good idea for kids to be sleeping with cell phones next to them. He notes, “It energizes your mind and stops your sleep hormones from working.”

He believes that the onus is on adults to do something about their own cell phone usage and model appropriate behaviours. This is not an easy process because we as adults are also still learning how to manage the technologies. It is important to consider learner needs, age and brain development when establishing cell phone rules.