Unplug Your Child Before it's too Late!

[Anonymous]

Who does well in high school? Kids who love to read--it helps them become good writers--and kids who use their available time in school and after school to do their homework. Surprisingly few homework assignments require the Internet or a computer. Ask your child to experiment for a week with no "screens" (cellphones, computers, gaming, iPods)--or at least no screens until all HW is done--and marvel at how quickly the homework gets done. I teach a humanities subject at a Big X school and my colleagues and I have noticed a real decline in writing ability--kids rarely read books anymore and it shows. The good writers are the reading lovers. There are also a lot of tired teenagers every day who, it turns out, were Facebooking at 2 am or, in the worst cases, are addicted to video games. I have also seen several kids who, with amazing force of will, cut themselves off from their computers as study-time diversions and the results were amazing.

I know I am coming across as a Luddite--believe me, I love my iPod etc--but I think parents may not realize how much time goes down the drain every night via texting, Facebooking, and playing Halo or Medal of Honor.

[Anonymous]

I usually limit screen time, particularly during the school year, when we have no screen time on school days.

But my DS lost his screen privileges this week and -- although it feels like a punishment to him -- it's really been great. he's been reading, writing a story, hanging out and talking to us, and much more pleasant and social.

[Anonymous]

not sure why this is a Private / Independent school topic. This is about all of our kids.

[Anonymous]

AMEN, sister!

[Anonymous]

And it's actually a good reminder for me today as well. Ciao DCUM and Facebook for the day!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:not sure why this is a Private / Independent school topic. This is about all of our kids.

True, but I teach in an independent school and that is where I see very bright kids who should be better writers (and better students) than they are. By way of comparison, I read a book by a NYTimes writer about the Air Force Academy--she followed the class of 2010. They came in their first year with the best profile ever, but had the worst first year achievement. She attributed it to time-wasting computer diversions.

I also see a lot of posts worrying about the homework load in independent schools. Not to say there is never an issue (juggling sports is tough, no doubt), but the kids I see struggling the most are also those with the worst study habits, not using free periods to work, etc. I know myself that I take longer to do my grading if I am checking email, surfing the web, etc., so I am not trying to be a scold, just pointing out what I observe as some of the effects of the computer/Internet black hole time suck.

[Anonymous]

OP, Thanks. I showed your post to my son. We do a good job of adhering to limits at our house (no screens during the school week, no cell phones). And I am the mom who recently wrote in another thread about my middle schooler's oppressive homework burden -- so it's not because of electronic distractions. But I showed him your post because I harp all the time on the fact that it is so important to READ FOR PLEASURE, and today's kids so often lack the patience for that, because it is not to them as immediately gratifying as a video game. I am all for teachers and coaches and other role models in my kids' lives telling them repeatedly of the value of unplugging and reading, so they don't see me as an outlier.

[Anonymous]

OP here--thanks PP. It is a pretty basic concept but very hard to carry out in practice, I know! But it really makes a difference down the road. Thanks for the nice note.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Who does well in high school? Kids who love to read--it helps them become good writers--and kids who use their available time in school and after school to do their homework. Surprisingly few homework assignments require the Internet or a computer. Ask your child to experiment for a week with no "screens" (cellphones, computers, gaming, iPods)--or at least no screens until all HW is done--and marvel at how quickly the homework gets done. I teach a humanities subject at a Big X school and my colleagues and I have noticed a real decline in writing ability--kids rarely read books anymore and it shows. The good writers are the reading lovers. There are also a lot of tired teenagers every day who, it turns out, were Facebooking at 2 am or, in the worst cases, are addicted to video games. I have also seen several kids who, with amazing force of will, cut themselves off from their computers as study-time diversions and the results were amazing.

I know I am coming across as a Luddite--believe me, I love my iPod etc--but I think parents may not realize how much time goes down the drain every night via texting, Facebooking, and playing Halo or Medal of Honor.

This is so true!

[Anonymous]

We have always tried to limit screen time - and even the types of "screens" - wii, ds, ipod etc. that our kids get. With upper middle class to upper class peers at school who get things quickly at often young ages - this has been a really tough job. Even with the limited access of types of screen - I am so amazed how it can change their behaviours so quickly. And my children have very different personalities - so I don't think its necessarily one type of personality more at risk. I put limits - even in summer when its hard with the long vacation. I always think to myself - if this is what I'm seeing with my kids - I can't be the only one! I have noticed there has been some recent frightening research on adults using too much screen time - can't even begin to think what its doing to children just getting their brains wired.

thanks for the reminder and those who posted research!

[Anonymous]

Great reminder and helpful insights. Too many parents don't quite get it -- even many highly educated and thoughtful ones.

Ex: One of my friends said the other day that she was especially interested in a certain preschool program becuase they made regular use of computers and she thought that would help her child get a leg up on technology from an early age. Maybe's she's' right, but My instinct is completely the opposite -- more screen time at school means less time with books or imaginary play or outdoor time AND sets a tone that will likely only encourage more screen time later. Ugh.

[Anonymous]

Interesting NYTimes Op-Ed piece By Thomas Friedman, leading off with a reference to a 14-year old girl who texts 27,000 times a month (a

[Anonymous]

Interesting NYTimes Op-Ed piece By Thomas Friedman, leading off with a reference to a 14-year old girl who texts 27,000 times a month (and in the course of which, gets distracted from her homework):

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/24/opinion/24friedman.html?src=me&ref=general

[Anonymous]

You guys are extremists. Your children will need good reading and writing skills but they will also have to be able to master technology. Genie is not going back in the bottle. Look up the Flynn Effect.

[Anonymous]

Not sure how trying to keep your kid from being addicted to empty screen time is "extremist.". Nobody is saying they want to go all Ted Kaczynski and ban all tech altogether.