Young Adolescents & Technology
A letter to parents from Mary Riser
In my general reading about education and schools, I find several technology-related themes that I believe are worth considering. First, today’s young adolescents are immersed in technology and use computers, iPods, and cell phones as easily as their parents and grandparents use watches, televisions, and telephones. Secondly, communication over the Internet or via e-mail and text-messaging is fast, easy and feels anonymous. Ironically, it is much less anonymous or private than face-to-face, real-time telephone, or hard-copy written communication. When we communicate on the Internet, we lose control over that communication the moment we push “send” or “share.” Third, while new technologies make information more available and communication faster, they don’t make people smarter.
Today’s young adolescents are no more mature about decision-making than any past generation has been. Their strong desire both for independence from their parents and connectedness to their peers is normal and developmentally appropriate. When a young adolescent’s wish to be a grown-up is combined with unlimited access to the Internet or cell phone messaging, without adult guidance, a potentially challenging or even dangerous situation can result. Young adolescents simply don’t have good enough judgment to participate in social networking of any kind without some adult supervision. Here at school we block “Facebook” and other social networking sites, and we restrict use of cell phones or computers to academic work. Some education theorists say that social networking and texting are the next great educational tools, but until we know how to teach children to use these modes effectively, we are unwilling to make them available without adult guidance and supervision.
As adults, both teachers and parents, we have a responsibility to teach children how to make wise decisions, to act with civility, and to be accountable for their actions. We teach them telephone and table manners. We teach them to say “please,” “thank-you,” and “excuse me.” We tell them not to get into a car with a stranger. If they make a mistake, we expect them to own their mistake and take corrective action. We expect them to show deference to their elders. We expect them to treat their peers with kindness and respect. Whenever they use the computer to communicate, our expectation should be that they should use the same good manners and make the same wise decisions as in any other kind of human interaction they face.
Just because we aren’t comfortable with new modes of communication doesn’t mean that we should abdicate our responsibility. If you allow your children to use the computer at home or if they have their own cell phones, please keep an eye and ear out for how those tools are being used. Young adolescents can get themselves into terrible trouble if they can go online without an adult or if they can stay up late at night texting other children. They say things they shouldn’t say, things they wouldn’t say except online, and real damage can result. They can hurt others by spreading rumors or gross insults, and they can put themselves at risk by sharing personal information with strangers. Parents can’t “overhear” text messages or see Facebook pages that they don’t know exist.
Please limit your children’s screen time, and please talk with them about how your expectation of civility and accountability for online or cell phone communication is no different from your expectation of civility and accountability in person. I don’t believe we should ban children from new technology – they will use it whether we ban them or not – but we should teach them how to use it wisely and for good. If your child has computer access, make sure the computer is in the kitchen or living room, not the child’s bedroom. If your child has a cell phone, take it away at bedtime. Late night is often the time when the most hurtful messages are posted or sent, and late night is the time when online predators go looking for lonely children.
Here at school we will continue to seek to teach children to use technology in ways that are educationally sound, respectful, and safe. If you want your child to have a cell phone at school, be aware, that if he or she is using it in any way that a teacher feels to be distracting, I have instructed the teachers to confiscate the phone and bring it to me. The parent will have to come to pick up the phone from me directly. I discourage children from bringing personal electronics to school unless they are necessary for learning. As teachers find new ways to use technology, we may well want children to bring MP3 players or cell phones or netbooks to school, but we will expect that those technologies are used only with adult guidance and supervision.
