Week 5 - Shannon Trinh

Today elementary schools in the U.S. are encouraging children to be more tech-savvy and “greener” by implementing more intensive usage of computers and technology in and outside the classroom. Before reading “Wifi in Schools” I had a notion that it was extremely beneficial to familiarize kids with computer programming, as these skills will be useful in logic, mathematics, and future curriculum. I was also under the impression that the web makes everything so much more accessible, for example tutoring videos on Khan Academy and other applications that are designed to be on the go and useful to the student. This article brought on a different perspective and prompted me to look for more resources that affirm the claim that the overuse of technology in classrooms can be detrimental. First, I found some of the biological symptoms of overuse of technology very interesting, especially: “stress protein production in the body indicating injury, and inflammation/oxidation” (18). One would think that Wifi and technology are designed to alleviate stress as it now enables an individual to basically find any kind of information. Additionally, technology nowadays is getting a lot simpler and straightforward to use (Macs, iPhones, mobile applications). In a specific study, “The Impact of Digital Media on Health: Children’s perspectives” children aged 9-16 were directly asked how using technology and extensive screen time affected their moods, health, and overall wellbeing. Children actually reported several physical and mental health problems after using the Internet for just thirty minutes at a time. Some reported headaches, disrupted sleeping and eating schedules, increased aggression, exhaustion, and eye problems. This is information parallel to the information presented in “Wifi in Schools” article: “In a double-blinded EMF provocation procedure specifically designed to minimize unintentional sensory cues, the subject developed temporal pain, headache, muscle twitching, and skipped heartbeats within 100s after initiation of EMF exposure” (18).  It is also important to note, however that the children studied in “Children’s perspectives” were from European countries, countries that are starting to become more aware of the negative health impacts of technology overuse. Have the psychologies and mentalities towards technology among the youth in European altered since the banning of Wifi and limited use of screens?

            In addition to looking at the biological effects of radiation and technology use, I believe we should also be asking the children and parents who are directly being affected. Self-report in the scientific world is considered as faulty and “unreliable”, however, I think that it is crucial that we actually listen to voices in addition to data. Their input and value of technology should also be taken into account moving forward in designing curriculum and interventions.

Question: How do mentalities in the U.S. and other countries specifically differ towards children and use of technology?

Works Cited:

Russell, Cindy M.D. “Wifi in the Schools: Are We Playing It Safe With Our Students”.

Smahel, D., Wright, M. F., & Cernikova, M. (2015). The impact of digital media on health: Children’s perspectives. International Journal of Public Health, 60(2), 131-137. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00038-015-0649-z