Not all technology usage for kids (or anyone) is equal.
Two of my most recent reads were The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt and Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That's a Good Thing) by Salman Khan, and they basically say the same thing: technology holds incredible potential and can also be incredibly damaging to our youth.
And, for anyone saying, “But, Sarah, how can you say that? Khan is super pro-technology (he even founded Khan Academy), and Haidt is super anti-technology. There is no way they align,” while I admit that the above is an extreme oversimplification, I truly don’t see their work as being in conflict.
Khan’s work explores an inspiring, idealistic (but possible) vision of the ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize education – bringing it to life, personalizing and differentiating, offering individualized tutoring, and streamlining the role of the teacher.
Haidt’s work discusses the challenges youth have been facing over the last couple of decades with the rise of safetyism and smartphone technology, especially with the proliferation of social media – showing how this shift has impacted development in our youth (not for the better).
And, both Kahn and Haidt recognize and appreciate our changing world and advocate for what is best for our kids developmentally, socially, and academically – in a way that very much aligns (Haidt even refers to Khan’s work!).
So what can we do?
While I don’t know Haidt or Khan personally, so I can’t know this for sure, here are steps I’m pretty sure they’d support:
Kids need boundaries and guidance when it comes to technology.
Yes, kids can figure out technology on their own, but not in the ways that are best for them. Haidt discusses how we have gotten far too protective with our kids in the real world (making sure playground equipment is overly safe, not allowing kids to wander the neighborhood, etc) and don’t protect them enough in the virtual world (giving them a phone with unfiltered access to the internet and all the things that come with that). So it’s time to articulate and enforce those technology guidelines – teach them how to be safe online, set guidelines that are developmentally and socially appropriate, foster true digital literacy.
Technology is not a babysitter.
I know how hard the 5-6 pm hour is. I know what those weeks leading up to winter break feel like. I am a mom to four kids who are currently between the ages of 8-14 years old and have formally taught students in second through twelfth grades. I know how tempting it is to give each kid a device or to show a movie that is tangentially related to the content material. They stay quiet, and you get a few minutes to breathe. And, if we’re really serious about setting the tone and helping our kids navigate the world of technology, this can’t be the solution. Haidt advocates for a return to “play based” childhood, and this is a good place to start. Alternatives to “technology as babysitter” could include real-life STEM activities, connecting in real life to peers, and just letting kids be bored (and see where their own creativity leads them).
Accept kids are doing the things.
Some kids have phones; some don’t. Some kids have been taught about AI in schools; some haven’t. Some kids tell their parents about their social media accounts; some don’t. And regardless of where you kids are in any of these areas, chances are they are still doing the things. They are impacted by social media. They are staring at screens for hours a hour. They are using AI in ways that even they may not realize. So just thinking, “My kids aren’t doing that” isn’t a useful approach. We can assume best intent, but we also must assume they are doing the things, and we need to take action.
Stay informed and be proactive.
As a 41-year-old, I grew up in a different space. I learned how to search the internet in tenth grade, got my first email address and cell phone in eleventh. Got my first social media account when I was in my twenties. I still don’t know what Snapchat really is, and I don’t understand why there is a TikTok channel on my satellite radio because I thought it was a social media site. My kids are living in a different world – both in terms of what’s available to them and, also, in terms of their mindset and approach to the world. As a parent and educator, then, it’s my responsibility to know their world so that I can know how to guide them. Some of this learning can happen with them, and some I need to do on my own – and it’s all for them
Embrace that we have the power.
The argument could be made that the Mark Zuckerbergs and Sam Altmans of the world need to be doing this or that. But I believe it’s really up to us – the parents and educators of the world. These are our kiddos and students. These are our values and priorities we’re discussing. Both Haidt and Khan include suggestions as to next steps and what can be done. We can and should be considering the role of technology for these kids and their environments – and making it happen.
The combined works of Haidt and Khan provide a realistic and important picture of where we are now and where we can be – where we actually go is up to us.
Comments