This Episode 11 of our BFIS podcast discusses the school’s vision for future-oriented learning and introduces the background thinking behind the school’s new system to manage cell phone usage on campus for grades six to twelve.
This new system and protocols aim to improve learning and nurture healthy students. The change was driven not only by Catalan legal requirements but also by insights from educational research and community dialogue.
This episode features a conversation with Djamel Agaoua, a parent and tech industry veteran, who shares his experiences and views on technology’s impact on students.
With a career that includes pivotal roles in startups and leadership positions, Djamel served as CEO of Rakuten Viber, one of the world’s pioneering and largest messaging apps. Today, he is actively engaged in various projects, particularly those focused on ‘Tech for Good’.
Educate parents and students
Agaoua emphasizes the importance of understanding the addictive nature of technology, which is designed to maximize user engagement for monetization. He suggests that parents and educators need to educate children about the risks of tech addiction and help them recognize when it affects their daily lives and learning abilities.
The conversation covers the broader implications of social media on student anxiety, attention, and mental health. Agaoua stresses the necessity of educating both parents and students about the business models of tech companies and their impact on behavior. He recommends watching the documentary “The Social Dilemma“ to gain insights into these issues
Agaoua also discusses his work with tech companies focused on positive social impact, or “Tech for Good,” highlighting projects like improving water efficiency in agriculture and combating online toxicity.
Recognize Unhealthy Usage Patterns
The school’s initiative to restrict cell phone use aims not just to limit access on campus (as per the Catalan Education Department’s new law) but to teach students to manage their tech use responsibly.
Agaoua also suggests creating tech-free rituals at home to help children cope with and understand their relationship with technology. The goal is to balance the benefits of technology with the need for healthy, productive, and socially connected lives.
The discussion focuses on the use of technology, particularly phones and iPads, in educational settings. Schools are grappling with balancing the benefits of technology with its potential distractions and negative impacts on student focus and classroom management.
Despite having laptops, students’ attention spans are reportedly decreasing, leading to calls for better regulation of phone use in schools. Governments in countries like Finland, the UK, Germany, Norway, and Spain are making changes to public education laws, allowing schools to implement more balanced tech policies.
Equip Classrooms with Alternative Devices
The key approach advocated is not to ban phones outright but to find a balance where students can maximize their academic, social, and emotional potential. Students need to learn to use phones and productivity tools responsibly as they are essential for future work and education.
The use of the Yondr system, which involves students placing their phones in pouches to minimize distraction, is a measure being adopted by several international schools and BFIS.
School-Home Partnership
Parents and educators should work together to monitor and manage phone use. Screen time functions on phones can provide valuable data on usage, helping both parents and students become aware of the extent of phone use.
Sharing tips and creating dialogue among parents, students, and educators can help promote healthier tech habits. On the BFIS parent portal, parents can find our last Talk Tuesday recorded sessions on digital well-being and digital dialogues.
Another key point in the conversation highlighted how crucial it is to delay the use of highly addictive apps like Instagram and TikTok due to their strong potential for creating dependency. Families should set clear guidelines for phone use and encourage habits that limit screen time, such as deactivating notifications or keeping phones out of bedrooms at night.
Overall, the goal is to help students use technology wisely, ensuring that they benefit from its advantages while minimizing its downsides. Continuous adaptation and dialogue are essential as technology evolves rapidly, and future discussions might involve the integration of AI in education.
Consider advice on further policy changes and community education in the next 12-18 months as more schools adopt similar approaches.
