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#55. What Do Kids at a Center for Self-Directed Education Do on Their Smartphones?

Play Makes Us Human • 1136 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🚌 Education Technology Use Child development Social media Mental health
  1. Kids in self-directed education tend to use their smartphones for creative and educational activities rather than scrolling on social media. They engage in things like music editing, game design, and learning through simulators.
  2. Many teens at the Macomber Center are not very interested in social media, often finding it unnecessary. They feel they have better things to do, like spending time with friends and exploring their interests.
  3. The overall happiness and fulfillment of these kids seem to come from their fulfilling social interactions, which reduces their reliance on social media to meet their social needs.

The Social Media Sea Change

Culture Study • 13388 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Technology Use Digital Life Cultural Shifts Personal Reflection
  1. Social media is losing its value for many people. As it becomes less useful, people are realizing they can spend their time in better ways.
  2. Feeling bored isn't necessarily a bad thing; it can lead to real life experiences and personal growth. When we stop distracting ourselves, we can manage time better and feel more in control.
  3. Our privacy is important and valuable. Enjoying moments without sharing them online can make experiences more meaningful and fulfilling.

5 Actions to Reduce Smartphones in School

The Analog Family • 319 implied HN points • 30 Aug 24
🚌 Education School Policy Parenting Student Engagement Technology Use
  1. Schools should encourage families to delay giving their kids smartphones until high school. This helps kids focus better on their education.
  2. Parents can help by communicating through school offices instead of texting their kids during class. This keeps kids from being distracted by their phones.
  3. Activities and teams should not require smartphones for participation. Schools can find other ways to share information that includes all students.

Ontario Schools Get a Feeble Phone Policy

The Analog Family • 399 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🚌 Education School Policy Technology Use Cognitive Science
  1. The new cellphone policy in Ontario schools is seen as weak and not based on effective research. It's not enough to just keep phones out of sight to reduce distractions.
  2. Even with the policy, many students still use their phones during class time. Teachers often allow this, which undermines the effort to minimize distractions.
  3. Parents are part of the problem too. Many want stricter rules at school but still send their kids with smartphones, missing the chance to set limits at home.

Three Things

The Analog Family • 119 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🚌 Education Teaching Methods Technology Use Child development
  1. Talking with others about kids being screen-free can lead to unexpected creative projects, like building a squirrel house from twigs. It's a fun way to encourage children to use their imagination.
  2. The book 'The Art of Gathering' teaches how to host events effectively, emphasizing thoughtful planning and creating engaging themes for gathering guests. Consider making a toast or having a theme for your next dinner party.
  3. Some European countries are moving away from technology in schools, suggesting that traditional learning methods like reading books and writing by hand are better for students. This is different from the tech-focused approach seen in places like Canada.
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