To the Editor of Cedar Valley Sentinel,
Over the last 20 years or so, our world has rapidly advanced-not just in the knowledge that has come, and continues to come, from electronic-based research, but in how we as a society have integrated electronics into our daily lives and even begun to rely on them. But my biggest concern is how much they have flooded our schools.
As both a new adult and a recent graduate, I have a unique perspective from both worlds. I see how dominant electronics are in our daily lives, as well as how heavily many teachers rely on them in the classroom.
I interviewed several teachers, including two from Cedar Valley High School, who made strong points. Todd Murdock said, “If you ask me, it is not the electronics themselves, but the students. Students get distracted by them, not the other way around.” Craig Pearce added, “It is anyone, but especially teenagers, second nature. You know, you get bored, you get uncomfortable, you go to your phone. It becomes a distraction for students. For anyone really when you rely on a small device to get you out of the situations you don’t favour.”
These concerns are echoed in national studies. A 2019 study published in Educational Psychology found that excessive screen time in schools is correlated with decreased attention spans and lower test scores. Another from the American Academy of Pediatrics reported that unsupervised digital use in classrooms can lead to increased anxiety and hinder social development.
That is why I believe schools should reduce electronics and require a class on responsible technology use. There’s a significant difference between parents showing their kids how to use a device and actually teaching them how to manage and understand its impact.
By cutting back on electronics and introducing a class dedicated to responsible technology use, we can create a more focused, balanced, and effective learning environment. This change won’t just benefit today’s students-it will lay the groundwork for a generation that knows how to use technology wisely rather than one controlled by it.
If we want a better educational system and stronger future leaders, we must start by making intentional choices about how and when technology is used in our classrooms. Lead by example and give students the tools they need to control technology-before it controls them.
Sincerely,
Brooklyn Seright
Cedar Valley High School, Class of 2025
Eagle Mountain, Utah
Photo by algoleague on Unsplash
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