Smartphones are fast becoming indispensable tools to navigate the digital world. Its uses are expanding. Beyond just making phone calls and staying connected with the world, it is also being used as a teaching and learning tool beyond classrooms. Teachers are increasingly using smartphones to assign students homework. While this is a positive move welcomed by the vast majority, there are some sections of society concerned about unmonitored screen time that could negatively impact a child’s growth.
In the country, use of smartphones for educational purposes increased since the COVID-19 pandemic as classroom learning was restricted to contain spread of the virus.
Authorities started investing in ICT labs and provided computer desktops wherever possible to implement online learning.
Today, even as normalcy returns, teachers continue to take advantage of the digital platforms.
Students are assigned homework and assignments through groups created with the parents on various social media platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and Messenger among others.
With the increase in use of such platforms for educational purposes comes a rising threat of unlimited screen time.
Most of the parents are concerned about their children spending too much time on smartphones at home.
However, there are also some parents who monitor their children’s screen time and feel that social media groups with teachers allow them to assess their children’s performances.
Sangay Wangmo, a parent said “sometimes when they have homework, it is necessary to use phone. So, during those times they get distracted watching videos on TikTok and chatting with friends. We have to check and remind them constantly to see if they are using smartphones for their study purpose.”
“Sending homework questions through phone is helpful. Parents get to monitor if their children are studying or not. We also get to know how our children are studying and how teachers are teaching them,” said Tsheten Dorji, another parent.
Dawa Sonam Pema, a student at Babesa Primary School said “some questions are hard and we solve it by browsing Google and ChatGPT.”
Nima Jurmen, another student at Babesa Primary School said “sometimes teachers assign us group work and I discuss with my friends through smartphone.”
Among the most concerned are parents of children below the age of six who use smartphones to watch nursery rhymes and play games.
Parents of children in this age group fear that unlimited screen time could negatively affect their children’s formative years.
Sangay Wangmo, a parent said “when we interact with them, engage them with what we are doing and when they play with other friends, they do not engage in playing with smartphones. But, as a parent if we do not interact with them and keep them aside, then there is a chance of getting addicted to using smartphones.”
Research studies have shown that excessive screen time can lead to problems in social-emotional development including sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety.
Meanwhile, some teachers BBS talked to said they assign home works that would not take more than an hour screen time to be completed.
Jigme Tshewang, a teacher at Jungshina Primary School said “regarding screen time for children, everyone should take responsibility. We keep reminding them about it. But at home, parents need to monitor if the children have finished their homework when their screen time exceeds an hour.”
Tshering Sydon, Vice Principal of Changzamtog Middle Secondary School said “we give online homework, notes, and video lessons for students. But it is given only when it is required by the subject teachers. During academic meeting with teachers, teachers are reminded about the kind of homework they should be giving to the students.
Working parents unable to balance work and family time are also among those concerned about the negative impacts of unlimited screen time.
Meanwhile, experts recommend zero screen time for children under two years except for video chatting with family or friends, no more than one hour per day co-viewing with a parent or sibling for two to five years old and generally no more than two hours per day, except for homework for children aged five to 17.
Tashi Chezom
Edited by Phub Gyem
