Oregon state representatives have been discussing the use of technology in schools, with a particular focus on Bend-La Pine and other districts. State Rep. Emerson Levy from Bend hosted a virtual forum on Monday night to explore the effects of cellphones and other digital tools on students, teachers, staff, and caregivers both inside and outside the classroom.
Educators are increasingly turning to digital tools to enhance learning experiences and prepare students for a digital future. However, there are concerns within Bend-La Pine schools that increased use of cellphones and social media may lead to negative outcomes such as depression, loneliness, and distraction from learning.
The U.S. Surgeon General has recommended a tobacco-style warning on social media platforms due to their potential negative impact on mental health. From the forum, it seems that state officials are leaning towards removing cellphones from classrooms and holding tech giants accountable for their role in these negative effects.
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum has filed a federal lawsuit against Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram) for allegedly designing these platforms to addict children and teenagers. State Rep. Lisa Reynolds, who is also a pediatrician and parent, supports reducing the use of cellphones in classrooms for more meaningful experiences that allow for greater engagement with teachers and peers.
Levy believes that creating a rule with student and parent buy-in can help create an environment where phones are not allowed in the classroom during lessons. While concerns about emergency communication were raised by Reynolds, she suggests alternative methods of contacting students when needed.
It is clear from the discussions that representatives are advocating for policies to be implemented at the district or state level to address any potential negative impacts of technology on students’ learning experiences.