Five pedagogical uses of cell phones at school – 02/22/2024 – Education

Without ignoring the importance of addressing digital well-being, regulating social networks and demanding more transparent technologies free from harmful features, the escalation of excessively restrictive measures regarding the use of cell phones in school environments is worrying.

The recent news about a school that adopted lockable fanny packs for cell phones provokes reflection on what the limit is and how to monitor the use of equipment. Of course, we don’t want screens to replace interaction during recess, nor taking away the focus of classes. But removing the devices from circulation does not solve the main issue: educating them about conscious use.

It is necessary to face the problems that devices bring, from addictive aspects to the negative content to which young people are exposed. It is precisely at school that we have the best opportunity to interrogate technologies in a mediated and exploratory way, collectively building critical knowledge about how they work and their effects on society – and, more than that, understanding that we can propose other forms of relationships with and through technologies, and even more desirable features.

The price to pay for not creating these training opportunities can be high: teenagers who do not know how to search online and select quality information, do not question the effects of technology on their behavior and do not learn self-regulation; young people who cannot identify toxic behavior and rights violations on the internet, or who are co-opted by extremist movements; adults who believe in conspiracy theories, adopt denialist stances and threaten democratic institutions.

Education has a fundamental role in guiding young people’s entry into the world of digital communication, especially when examining the visible and invisible dynamics of the devices and environments they use most. Therefore, the entry of these themes and practices into the curriculum must always occur with a duration, form and purpose appropriate to the student’s stage of development.

Therefore, we list five good reasons for the intentional and mediated use of cell phones and social networks at school:

1. Learn how to carry out qualified research: There is increasing evidence that young people prefer to search on TikTok or ChatGPT, rather than search engines. This potentially exposes them to false or low-quality information, but there is another serious consequence: it increasingly distances them from the source of the information. It is necessary to know the possibilities and limitations of new tools in order to make appropriate use of them; ChatGPT, for example, generates coherent and convincing texts, but can be imprecise.

2. Learn to evaluate information: If the cell phone is the main point of contact with information, we need to know how to sort through the cacophony of voices it brings us. When browsing the networks, teenagers must understand, for example, that the popularity of influencers does not necessarily give them the authority of experts; and recognize the need to verify information before sharing it.

3. Understand how algorithmic environments work: We need to understand why we see what we see on the internet. This means problematizing the functioning of the algorithmic decisions that govern our access to information and our interactions. Teenagers who consume harmful content may end up being directed to toxic and dangerous environments. Recognizing the action of these algorithms is the first step so that they can proactively defend themselves from these effects.

4. Observe the power relations behind technology: Technological systems tend to reproduce power asymmetries. This is the case, for example, of AIs trained with data that is not very representative of the diversity present in society. Young people must learn to question how they work and identify whose interests these technologies serve, which can increase inequalities or even silence certain world views.

5. Practice positive use: In addition to condemning bullying and aggression, we can help young people identify the positive aspects of the internet, and target their use accordingly. We should not underestimate the connecting power of social networks, which often help young people to expand their circles, assert their identity, find belonging and support causes close to their hearts.

The difficulties we experience today with the inappropriate use of these devices arise, in large part, from the mismatch between the accelerated development of technology and the slow social response to its effects. We will undoubtedly see an increase in regulatory efforts and movements by technology companies themselves, which will need to adapt the design of their products to social demands. For our part, it is important to strengthen educators and families so that, together, we can lead young people to healthier use of these environments.

_{As part of the Todas initiative, Folha presents women with two months of free digital subscription.}