Several educators are leaving the teaching profession because of burnout, low pay rates, and difficult student behavior 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’ behavior 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.