With the pandemic limiting individuals and families outside activity, the growing
proportion of leisure screen time has grown immensely. And, ever since school has started,
students and teachers have been required to stay “online” for several hours a day, as if it were a
normal school day. Although imitating a normal school day sounds reasonable, the fact that it is
all on computers contradicts the reasonability.
Exerting countless hours on a screen over the course of a week is nothing but extremely
unhealthy for the overall health of both students and teachers. According to the American Heart
Association, excessive or poor quality screen time can lead to health issues such as obesity,
irregular sleep, behavioral problems, as well as impaired social skills. Going through seven fifty
minute classes a day, with five minute breaks in-between and a forty minute lunch period is not
adequate for one’s wellbeing. On top of school hours, students and teachers often need many
hours of additional work (online staff meetings, grading, homework) time that is not accounted
for.
By district law, schools are required to meet a certain amount of “instructional minutes”.
This is counted per semester/year. Considering where the school lie’s within these rules, each
class has a minimum of meeting for about four hours a week. Whether it is two hours, twice a
week, or one hour four times a week, the four hours need to be met.
This requirement of continuing online school is damaging the creativity of the younger
grades. More screen time has been experimentally confirmed by hundreds of doctors and
scientists to lead to lower levels of curiosity, lower self control, lower self esteem and self
confidence, as well as more difficulty with making friends, etc. The list goes on. These skills and
characteristics are vital to the growth of students as individuals.
But, as new information and restrictions have come into the light, there are ways to avoid
the exhausted feeling at the end of the day. For example, purchasing blue light glasses. These
glasses block the blue light from your computers, reducing the strain on tired eyes. Another
solution is to get the blood pumping in between classes. Whether that is jumping jacks, sit ups, or
even going for a walk. Anything works as long as the body is not staying still.
If you want to voice how you feel about the current schedule, click the link below. Your input is
greatly valued. All responses will remain anonymous.
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