Screens are useless in the classroom and harm young people’s potential, according to a psychoeducation specialist who advocates a ban on cellphones and tablets in schools.
Linda S. Pagani is a professor at the School of Psychoeducation at the University of Montreal and a specialist in the impact of the screen on young people.
Contrary to popular belief that digital devices have certain benefits in education when used wisely, Dr. Pagani states: “Research shows us that tablets are not beneficial for education. I think we just wanted to feel ‘up to date’,” she said in an interview.
“Pencil and paper work very well. We’re leveling up a lot these days.”
In her opinion, the long hours in front of screens – especially on social networks – are one of the causes of the unprecedented despair that young people are experiencing today.
“Adolescence is a time when we are more fragile,” she explained. We tend to compare ourselves to others and this results in stress, dissatisfaction with our bodies, suicidal thoughts, self-mutilating behavior (…). It’s in every medical journal and we’re wondering what to do!
The researcher reminds that social networks work with “algorithms based on neuroscience to make people addicted”. “We increase our consumption, then we lose track of time. We become less productive, we have trouble remembering things because we’re too busy with our digital lives,” she lamented.
To curb these problems, Dr. Pagani plans to ban cell phones and other types of screens in educational institutions. She also suggests having a “big national conversation” with researchers, parents and young people on the subject.
“I believe that we need to find solutions to fuel a revolution that takes us back to something more appropriate, that advances our health and potential,” she summarized.
Tablets are currently compulsory in most private schools. Cell phones are only banned in a handful of schools, including Grande-Rivière High School in Gatineau.
Cell phones have been banned in schools and universities in France since 2018, even during breaks. Ontario has had a similar rule since 2019, but teens can consult their device outside of school hours.
Drainville is aware of the problem
Although aware of the problems that young people who spend a lot of time on social media can face, Education Minister Bernard Drainville believes that “an overuse of digital technology in the educational network”.
“Let’s also remember that the use of digital technology is for educational purposes,” he said in a written statement to the QMI agency.
The new “Quebec Culture and Citizenship” course “will cover social media use extensively,” but it is also the responsibility of parents to limit their children’s access to screens, the minister eventually argued.
Towards a parliamentary commission?
The idea of conducting a major national conservation on the place of screens in schools, and more generally on the impact of technology on young people, has supporters on the benches of the Quebec opposition.
In the last legislative period, the Liberals presented an initiative resolution on this subject, which the government did not pursue. “In light of recent developments, we do not rule out returning to the indictment with this request,” Liberal MP Marwah Rizqy said.
“We should check that. There we see that it comes out a little left and right, but it would be interesting to have expert recommendations to see what we are doing in the schools. It would be a good initiative and if it presents itself, we will be for Quebec Solidaire,” Solidarity MP Ruba Ghazal said.
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