PUPILS SAY ‘NO’ TO TECH AND A BIG ‘YES’ TO SPORT AND BOOKS

KENMARE STUDENTS LEAD THE WAY WITH A DIGITAL DETOX WITH GREAT RESULTS

WITH ever growing concerns by teachers and parents about the effects of technology on children St John’s National School in Kenmare have taken the first step in banning the use of mobile technology, video games and social media through a digital detox which has had some great results.

Improved concentration levels, less tiredness and less aggression along with more social interaction are just some of the benefits that the pupils have experienced since the ban on using technological devices was put in place last November. While phones are banned during school, this was extended to out of school hours following a discussion between parents and children.

“The change in pupils proves the dangers associated with the use of technology on a daily basis,” says Principal, Denis Courtney.

“It was obvious to us that children’s concentration was being affected. They were rushing out the door to play video games. We also had concerns about bullying in the year escalating to cyberbullying and that children’s self-esteem was being affected.” explained Denis.

He also said that videos games, namely Fortnite, was causing aggression amongst children.

“We were concerned about what kind of children we would have in the future and we wanted to do something about it.”

A survey of the fourth class children and parents found that many were playing videos games on a regular basis and had accounts online inappropriate to their age group. Even more worrying was that many parents did not know what their children were doing online. Fourth class, with 63 pupils, were chosen as the initial group for the digital detox initiative.

Following the survey, parents were invited to a meeting at the school and 78 parents attended.

A pilot programme approved and supported by the parents was put in place from November 26 until December 21 which required all pupils to refrain from all activities on technological devices including videos games and Snapchat.

Parents and children were encouraged to focus in and outside school on more traditional and enjoyable activities like playing board games and exercise and these new found interests are another one of the surprising successes of the initiative.

Students themselves at first expressed concern at the ban but are now happy with the ban and spend more time playing team sports and reading and this too has spread to other siblings in the family.

Such has been the success of a digital detox for the pupils that it is hoped to expand the initiative to the other classes.

Above: Freya Dale, Joe Hickey, Robbie Guest, Thien Doran and Mí chéal O’Mahony fourth class at St John’s National School, Kenmare with their classmates

Photo by Sinead Kelleher Left: Eva Lane, Ger McElligott, Simone Pasini and Tea Arsenic also from fourth class at St John’s National School