Is UNESCO's Call for a Smartphone Ban in Schools the Key to Improving Education Globally? | OneIndia

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UNESCO's recent call to ban smartphones in schools aims to combat classroom disruption and protect children from cyberbullying. Backed by evidence, their report highlights the adverse effects of excessive smartphone use on educational performance. This global initiative explores the delicate balance between digital technology's benefits and the importance of traditional, face-to-face teaching methods in shaping the future of education.

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~HT.99~ED.103~
Transcript
00:00 If you are a concerned parent worried about your child's excessive smartphone use,
00:05 this UNESCO report is essential to you.
00:08 The Global Education Body urges schools worldwide to ban smartphones to address classroom disruption
00:14 and protect children from cyberbullying.
00:17 Evidence-backed findings show that excessive smartphone use adversely affects educational
00:21 performance and student well-being.
00:24 UNESCO emphasizes a human-centered vision on education that values in-person interaction
00:31 with teachers, cautioning against blindly embracing digital technology.
00:36 The report says, "Policymakers must consider the social dimension of education, ensuring
00:41 digital technology benefits without compromising individual health, democracy or human rights."
00:47 The report highlights the unequal distribution of technology benefits and the underestimated
00:52 environmental costs of digital education.
00:57 To ensure students' well-being and protect democracy and human rights, countries are
01:01 encouraged to establish clear objectives and principles for integrating digital technology
01:06 in education, addressing potential risks such as privacy invasion and online hatred.
01:13 The widespread use of smartphones, tablets and laptops in classrooms and homes can be
01:18 distracting and disruptive, potentially harming learning outcomes.
01:23 International assessment data cited in the report shows a negative link between excessive
01:27 use of digital technology and student performance, indicating the need for careful regulation.
01:34 While digital technology can provide learning opportunities for millions, it is not equitably
01:39 accessible to all.
01:40 Economically disadvantaged individuals and marginalized communities often lack access.
01:46 Additionally, the environmental impact of digital education infrastructure must be adequately
01:51 addressed.
01:53 The report provides valuable insights from specific regions such as India's National
01:57 Opal University, where significant percentages of students are from rural areas and scheduled
02:03 castes, highlighting the importance of accessible education alternatives.
02:08 In Afghanistan, secret schools and online platforms have become crucial resources for
02:13 girls facing educational restrictions under the new Taliban regime.
02:19 Several countries, including China, France and the Netherlands, have already taken steps
02:23 to restrict smartphone use in schools.
02:26 The UNESCO report emphasizes the need for a thoughtful approach to integrating digital
02:30 technology into education.
02:32 While smartphones have advantages, policymakers must carefully consider potential drawbacks
02:38 to safeguard children's education and well-being.
02:42 As parents and teachers, the ball is now in our court to decide what do we want to hand
02:47 over our kids as their next birthday gift.
02:51 [Music]

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