If We Normalize Smartphone Use as Educators, We Owe Future Generations an Apology.

Andrew George
Student Voices
Published in
2 min readJan 12, 2018

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Legend goes that cellphones were initially not allowed in classrooms. Then smartphones became mainstream. The ban continued until some educators looked at them as potential game changing devices for students, for they held magical software apps within them. 1-to-1 device policies were instituted. Some school divisions even bought devices for those who couldn’t afford one.

At first the masses pushed back, but they were thought to be old school and overlooking the opportunity education had to effectively teach children how to become digital citizens and to use social media properly.

However, these valiant educators did not understand that those tasked with creating this technology were also tasked with increasing profits for their companies. Social media giants sat in board rooms studying how to better increase a user’s attention on their devices, designing their apps to increase a user’s biological chemical balance in Dopamine Labs so they felt more joy and acceptance in the world through their apps.

You could see real-world examples of this by asking students about their Snapchat score or streak. Students became addicted. This word isn’t used lightly — addiction similar to alcoholism. Studies indicated that the digital native generation began to experience unheard of levels on mental health issues.

Today educators are at a crossroads, unsure if they should outright ban smartphones in schools (which France is pursuing) or continue to use the devices and technology as a learning opportunity. Sometimes I feel that the latter could be accomplished. Other times the challenge is equated to teaching students how to moderate their alcohol consumption.

What’s worse is that the addiction isn’t exclusive to students. After a Globe and Mail article was published, I had a friend remove themselves from Facebook after realizing her use wasn’t a positive contribution to society. Educators aren’t immune to this.

Those who created these apps now feel regret as they sit atop their billions of dollars each night. Apple shareholders recently asked the company to monitor children’s smartphone use, fearing that the damage their devices create on society may in fact outweigh profits. Educators recognize the issue but are unable to properly navigate the situation — it’s tough to compete with the most powerful companies on the planet.

Educators are put in a position to help change society. They must choose a direction that’s going to benefit society. However, I fear the right decision and direction will be the least popular one.

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