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LETTER: Keep kids connected to classroom

Re: the editorial ‘Schools must adapt with changing times’ in the Sept. 20 Saanich News. My son’s middle school did just that this year - adapted with changing times.
8608960_web1_170901-TDT-classroom

Re: the editorial ‘Schools must adapt with changing times’ in the Sept. 20 Saanich News. My son’s middle school did just that this year - adapted with changing times.

Two societal ills are on the rise: pornography addiction and cyber bullying. These are not necessarily modern problems, but have repackaged themselves for ready use in the form of social media on cellphones. Not to mention a trend of isolation and loneliness amongst youth and young adults.

My son’s school took note of these problems, and enacted a very simple solution to these very serious concerns. I took it as a welcome expression of care our kids mental and spiritual well-being, when they announced this year personal device use would be banned during school hours.

This mom is so relieved. I feel they prioritized creating a positive, safe public learning environment for all, rather than to the desires of a few individuals who might feel a strong need to have a screen always on hand. Kids can survive very well for six hours without their device – not all kids have them anyway. In doing so, the school is in fact teaching the kids “when and how” as you mentioned.

By banning phones during school they are teaching them: Speak to your friends who are in front of you, face to face. Listen to your teacher, undistracted. Learn about life, unplugged.

Lynea McDowell

Saanich