As the owner of an educational academy & father of school going kids, I have witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of unrestricted technology use on the academic and mental wellbeing of our students. Over time, it has become glaringly clear that modern day gadgets like cell phones, chromebooks, PC's and Macbooks, while being excellent tools for learning, are also causing addiction, distraction and overall decreased productivity in students. 

Set in the backdrop of an age where YouTube Shorts and other similar platforms continuously hold the attention of youngsters captive, it is crystal clear that existing internet controls like DNS-based restrictions are failing to deliver. While Google Classroom may be an excellent teaching tool, the reality is, with YouTube on the same DNS, students are a click away from distractions that hinder their academic progress.

According to a 2018 research study conducted by the National Education Policy Center, students in schools with smartphone bans showed increased test scores, equivalent to an additional hour of school each week. Furthermore, the OECD reported in 2015 stating that students who use digital devices very frequently at school tend to perform worse.

This is not a call to abolish technology from the classrooms but rather, a request to implement strict regulations on the use of digital devices in learning environments. Restrictions such as accessing only specific academic related websites and banning social media platforms like Instagram, Meta and TikTok during school hours can be beneficial. Same restrictions can be applied at home too to restrict the addiction to video games.

Companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok etc. earn revenues from Ads targeting students and hence make it difficult to block websites like Youtube shorts in school so they get increased audiences to their Ads. Google has kept google classroom and Youtube on the same DNS IP address so parents or school administrators if they block Youtube on router/firewall will also block Google classroom. This is just 1 instance on how corporations want students to access content on digital devices all the time for Ad revenues. 

We must help our children use technology effectively and responsibly. We must urge the educational boards and schools across the country to consider implementing these necessary restrictions, for the greater good of our students and for the future of our nation. Sign the petition, and help this important cause globally.

Regards,

Vik@oodlesusa.com

www.oodlesusa.com

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