In today’s digital world, the extensive use of technology among children has sparked considerable concern regarding its impact on their development. This piece explores the alarming implications of excessive screen time on children, particularly with respect to their cognitive skills, literacy, and emotional growth.
Yves here. It’s become a common refrain for older generations to lament the perceived lack of self-discipline and morals in the younger ones. Yet, the act of outsourcing significant amounts of parenting to devices—like handing young kids iPads to keep them entertained—has begun to create widespread problems. Many children are struggling with fundamental skills, notably literacy; increasingly, some cannot read at all. There is also emerging evidence of lasting cognitive harm, including diminished concentration and an over-reliance on external stimulation.
A video below delves deeper into the harm being caused. Notably, there is a stark decline in children’s engagement with stories, which is crucial for developing empathy and decision-making abilities. Furthermore, children are consuming and discussing sexual content in troubling ways. If these insights don’t convince you, consider this statement from the latest video:
Across every measure we possess, increased technology use in schools correlates with declining learning outcomes. Our children are the first generation in the last century to demonstrate a decline in cognitive abilities compared to their predecessors. To put it plainly, they are becoming less intelligent. In every cognitive metric, they score lower than previous generations. Attention, memory, creative thinking, and critical thinking are all affected, marking a troubling trend. While fluctuations in intelligence across generations might be expected, we have seen a consistent rise in cognitive skills for over a century; every generation has historically outperformed the last.
We explored similar themes in a previous article that highlighted the frustrations and concerns voiced by educators. A significant concern is that many students perceive learning as irrelevant, assuming AI can handle the work for them. Some highlights from “We Are Watching Critical Thinking Disappear in Real Time” Due to AI Addiction: 40% of Kids Can’t Read, Teachers Quitting in Droves:
The narrator raises a troubling question about our society’s future: only a minority of children—mostly from affluent backgrounds or tech elites—are being raised in a more traditional manner, with little to no device use until their teens, allowing them to develop essential cognitive skills. But what about the rest of the population? What opportunities await them?
A conservative colleague mentioned that the use of AI to induce addiction and dependence on devices is a moral failing. This is a serious understatement. These children not only seek information from ChatGPT but also rely on it to make choices across all facets of their lives. Sam Altman’s video clips indicate that this significant loss of independence is intentional.
The ramifications of this widespread misuse are even more devastating than what the Sacklers inflicted on opioid-dependent individuals or what the British did during the Opium Wars. At least opioid addiction offers a chance for recovery, albeit a painful one. There’s growing evidence that regular AI use degrades reasoning skills and attention spans, even for adults.
From the video’s introduction:
Narrator: A fourth grader posed a daunting question to their teacher: “Why do I need to learn how to read if AI can do it for me?”
Currently, 40% of fourth graders are unable to read. We are witnessing a collapse in the American education system.
Teacher 1: I teach eighth-grade history to around 110 students. Only two are reading at grade level; 18 are at a kindergarten level, and 55 are between second and fourth grade levels. During a revision session, I instructed them to write down, “Maryland was founded as a safe haven for Catholics.” After reviewing it, I asked one student, “Where were the Catholics again?” They looked at me, then at their notes, and then at the board, unable to respond.
Despite my hints—“It’s in your notes; we just wrote it down”—the answer eluded them. They could not read their own notes—not due to poor handwriting, but because they couldn’t make sense of the information on the page. It was astonishing how information might bypass their thinking entirely. What are we to do? The ship is sailing unchecked.
Narrator: What she described is chilling. Information flows from their eyes to their hands without engaging their brains.
But this phenomenon isn’t isolated; it spans the nation. Only 23% of fourth graders can read at a proficient level, and among eighth graders, that figure is merely 26%. After all the reforms and the introduction of technology in classrooms, we have not improved but have worsened.
The new video below further substantiates the decline in reading ability, highlighting another consequence of children’s device addiction: their waning interest in stories. This may seem trivial, but stories are foundational to our understanding of the world. For instance, juries consider shared narratives rather than strictly scientific evidence when determining verdicts. Similarly, when faced with interpersonal conflict, individuals develop theories based on different perspectives.
Stories are essential for moral education, too. Think of the Greek myths, the Bible—particularly the Parables—and the significant events in the lives of figures such as Mohammed and the Buddha.
Instructors below underscore the importance of storytelling to our social fabric, emphasizing that it fosters empathy by allowing children to appreciate varied viewpoints. The discussion also touches on the diminishing practice of sharing stories through casual conversations, bedtime reading, and popular media, as well as the implications of schools employing AI exclusively for teaching.
Originally published by Marissa Van
Teacher 1: I did not realize how dire the iPad epidemic among kids had become until yesterday.
Teacher 2: I recently substituted in a fifth-grade class, and as someone with extensive classroom and reading experience, I can assure you we should be genuinely concerned about the future of our society.
ABC 7 Presenter: A warning for parents: kids are falling further behind on test scores, and more are absent from school based on recent reports.
NBC News clip of AI school spokesperson: Believe it or not, our schools lack classroom teachers. The education is entirely delivered through a suite of AI-powered applications that provide lessons and monitor student progress.
Narrator Marissa Van: It’s mid-school year again, and we observe a trend of teachers resigning mid-year. I can hardly blame them; they are among the most overworked and underpaid professionals around. I am genuinely concerned about the next generation being raised on technology, from 10-second TikTok videos to AI-generated content. We are beginning to witness the repercussions of cultivating an entire generation on screens, and it’s disconcerting.
Today, we will discuss a range of topics: the impact of technology on child development, its effect on classroom performance, the mass exodus of teachers leaving their beloved careers, government budget cuts to public education, and the distressing trend of declining test scores in math and reading across all grade levels.
Clarice Burkett: I was genuinely shocked by the iPad epidemic until just yesterday. We’ve all heard about children being raised on these tablets, with parents attributing academic struggles to teachers while remaining hands-off regarding their kids’ education. However, my recent interaction with a child left me utterly speechless.
While bartending, a family approached the bar for food. One child, around eight or nine, asked what flavors of Dip and Dots we offered. I handed her a menu so she could read it. To my disbelief, she looked me in the eye and said, “I can’t read.” It left me momentarily dumbfounded. How can an eight-year-old not read? It’s frightening.
Narrator: As one commenter noted, “Teachers are screaming this from the rooftops, but no one is listening.” Another teacher mentioned subbing for second graders, noting that the majority couldn’t read. One girl replied, “I don’t read; I just play YouTube on my iPad,” when asked if she read at home.
Another educator remarked that kids can’t tell time unless it’s digital, pointing out that even middle schoolers look at an analog clock and ask for the time, despite a clock hanging in the classroom.
Narrator: In case you missed it, these middle and high school students struggle to read an analog clock. Let that sink in.
Some suggested, “Then just teach them.” Others responded, “They should have learned that in elementary school.”
One teacher read a comment indicating that although instruction on telling time continues, the kids aren’t absorbing it, preferring digital clocks that provide answers instantly.
Teacher 4: The growing use of brain rot phrases among my students drives me insane. It’s quite confusing. They constantly touch and annoy each other, displaying a notable lack of self-control. This behavior is prominent even in the fourth-grade classroom.
They despise the silence, always humming or drumming, tapping, and making noise. For fourth graders, it’s bewildering. I’ve noticed an alarming inability within my class to maintain focus.
Despite the chaos, I truly enjoy teaching—working with children fulfills me. That said, it hardly makes our jobs easier. These kids are pushing the limits, and I mean that truly.
Narrator: Feeling a bit out of touch, I looked up the concerning content children are consuming. I don’t have young kids, so I was not familiar with their prevalent online culture and slang. I’ve heard of “Skiib,” yet I still don’t quite grasp what it is. However, I stumbled across deeply troubling material targeted at kids online.
In a TikTok discussion, the speaker highlighted the juxtaposition of innocent kids’ content and AI-produced material that crosses all lines. This conversation prompted an exploration into the darker side of children’s online habits, including exposure to graphic content.
What’s most alarming is how easily children find this content, often crafted by adults with questionable intentions. My hesitation to offer parenting advice stems from my lack of direct experience, but if you are a parent, consider why your child needs a smartphone or iPad at such a young age.
And if they do, ensure robust parental controls and safeguards are in place, recognizing that these aren’t foolproof. Kids often find ways around them. Active monitoring is essential, as just one search can lead them down a distressingly dark path.
Teacher 2: I recently substituted in a fifth-grade class and, with considerable experience in classrooms and reading, I want to voice a strong concern about our future. Every child seems to aspire to content creation, disregarding traditional hobbies.
When you inquire about their interests, it’s all about video games or similar obsessions, none of which foster genuine enjoyment. These children remain blissfully unaware of their bodily signals, eager to return to their screens. While I don’t blame parents entirely—society has a role—responsibility does rest with caregivers to introduce their children to nurturing experiences such as reading and meaningful conversations.
Narrator: I feel it’s important to acknowledge that parents also bear some blame. There are factors out of their control—such as the rapid advancement of technology and cuts to public education—but many aspects are within parents’ authority, such as spending quality, distraction-free time with their children. The current generation is sleep-deprived, devoid of emotional intelligence, and grappling with a lack of affection.
So please, rise to the occasion. I find myself overwhelmed with board games trying to reclaim my children’s childhoods. The urgency is palpable, and I hesitate to share the disturbing sexualization of children as young as 11. We cannot allow technology to control our children. Admitting the addictive nature of such content is critical.
Teacher 5: As a first-year high school English teacher, I have quickly realized this profession isn’t suitable for me. It’s alarming to see 14- and 15-year-olds who lack basic reading skills. I’m not referring only to special education students; many “regular” students cannot read or write at an appropriate level and exhibit no desire to correct it.
Simplifying this situation, I received an astonishing comment from someone stating that a ten-year-old neighbor couldn’t read “yard sale” signs while they were reading Harry Potter at the same age. The reality is harrowing, and the implications of illiteracy in children are severe. How will they navigate life as adults without the ability to read?
Indeed, we have a troubling future ahead if ten-year-olds are failing to read basic tasks.
Woman Speaker: I have a sister born in 2012, making her part of Generation Alpha, one step past Gen Z. While attempting to connect with her, I asked about popular content on the Disney Channel, only to be met with disdain as she quipped, “I don’t watch plot-based media.”
Narrator: This response underlines a critical concern: “Plot-based media is how children learn empathy.” Various comments reveal the startling notion that children are disengaged from storytelling—once one of humanity’s oldest and most essential forms of expression.
Research emphasizes that storytelling plays a vital role in fostering creativity, language skills, and emotional intelligence in young children. Through stories, they encounter new vocabulary, diverse perspectives, and essential life lessons. Stories often present characters in challenging situations, guiding children to empathize with others and navigate their emotions effectively.
This little girl, who claims to avoid plot-driven media, is missing out on a crucial tool for childhood development. Without stories to engage them emotionally, children risk growing up with superficial, if any, emotional intelligence. They certainly won’t understand the implications of choices made by characters in their lives.
On the surface, children’s programs might appear as entertainment, but they impart vital life skills. Stories also promote problem-solving, often depicting characters overcoming obstacles, which in turn fosters critical and creative thinking in children.
As generative AI tools like ChatGPT gain prominence, they inadvertently encourage students to rely on technology for answers instead of cultivating their independent thought.
And predictably, student test scores in nearly every subject are declining, combined with an alarming uptick in absences. Recent statistics indicate that more children are falling behind academically and missing school than ever before.
ABC News: Unfortunately, the latest report card for American students is disappointing. The National Assessment of Educational Progress revealed a downward trend in fourth and eighth graders’ performance on both reading and math assessments compared to previous years.
National Parents Union Speaker on ABC: This is a critical moment; parents must actively hold our educational systems accountable to ensure our children are getting the support they need.
ABC News: Compared to 2019, average reading scores have dropped by five points, while fourth graders’ math scores have decreased by 8%, and eighth graders have slid by 3%.
Harvard Center for Education Policy & Research Speaker: There’s no need for despair; this is a time for collective action within communities to ensure student progress.
ABC News: Experts recognize the results signify a growing challenge in reading compared to math. The declines primarily affect lower-performing students, while top achievers have shown some recovery since the pandemic. The message for parents is simple: get involved.
National Parents Union Speaker on ABC: Trust your instincts. Seek further information and act swiftly if necessary.
ABC News: A significant issue is that students are not regularly attending class. For example, 12% of eighth graders missed at least five days of school each month.
Male Speaker on TikTok: Every measure reveals that increased tech use in schools correlates with decreased learning outcomes. Our children’s cognitive capabilities have regressed compared to those of older generations. On every cognitive measure, they are lagging, which is alarming given the historically consistent improvement enjoyed by each generation for over a century.
As history shows, every generation aspires for their children to exceed them in health, happiness, and smarts. Unfortunately, we find ourselves in uncharted territory with this trend reversing.
Narrator: A commenter echoed this sentiment stating, “After almost ten years in a tech-free educational program, I wholeheartedly agree with the need to eliminate tech from schools. The difference in social skills, emotional regulation, and academic performance was striking after just six months without technology.”
Such observations reveal that the initial adjustment period resembled withdrawal, akin to that of an addict recovering from dependency. Technology’s grip has tightened around Generation Z and is currently wreaking havoc on Generation Alpha.
Narrator: Interestingly, many tech industry employees choose Waldorf schools for their children, where technology is limited. In a Sacramento Waldorf school, for instance, tech use is nearly nonexistent through eighth grade and restricted during high school.
Waldorf Student 1: Instead of relying on my phone for information, I prefer asking my teacher or peers for help.
Waldorf Student 2: I never really knew the experience of gaming; my childhood was spent enjoying the outdoors.
Waldorf Student 3: Though we aren’t constantly glued to screens, I still know how to use technology proficiently.
Waldorf Teacher: I recognize that using devices often isolates us from those around us, diminishing the connection formed through face-to-face interaction.
CNN Narrator: As Waldorf Education celebrates its 100th anniversary, it is applied in over a thousand schools across 91 nations, highlighting a growing preference for this holistic instructional style free from tech, which encourages artistic expression and experiential learning.
For those in the Sacramento Waldorf School, media consumption is actively discouraged at home until fifth grade, while older students are encouraged to engage with technology only within specified guidelines. The burgeoning tech sector is expected to reach a staggering $43 billion this year, with a significant portion of its growth occurring within K-12 education.
Yet, the Waldorf approach is gaining traction among parents who are increasingly cautious regarding the very devices they helped create.
The private Waldorf School of the Peninsula boasts that three-quarters of its students come from tech-heavy backgrounds. Notably, esteemed figures like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs imposed strict limits on device use in their homes, fostering an environment conducive to focused development.
Tuition for Waldorf schools varies, with high school costs exceeding $35,000 in some cases, while elementary school fees start just below $26,000. Many families relying solely on public education don’t have the luxury of affording such exorbitant fees, diminishing their educational prospects.
The bleak outlook is further underscored by dropping test scores, teacher resignations, and the ongoing defunding of public schools.
Narrator: One commenter succinctly encapsulated the situation: “The creator of addictive technologies never partakes in their own products.”
Unsurprisingly, those who developed these devices often opt for educational settings with rigorous tech restrictions. Yet, this becomes a privilege afforded to only affluent families, leaving working-class households with limited options amidst dismal public educational conditions.
Narrator: I came across a recent report detailing an AI-based school model devoid of traditional teachers. This concerns me deeply, as it shifts responsibility for education onto AI-driven platforms which lack human insight.
[NBC Morning News]: While the environment may seem unorthodox, students at the Alpha School in Austin are spending just two hours per day with an AI tutor while receiving minimal teacher supervision.
How can a child possibly learn enough in only two hours when AI lacks the capacity for critical engagement in learning?
[NBC Morning News]: Mackenzie Price, co-founder of Alpha School, confirmed that no traditional educators work there, relying solely on AI for everything.
[NBC Morning News Interviewer]: So, who teaches you?
[Student:] I think the app is teaching me, but I’m also teaching myself.
Narrator: It’s troubling to consider that children believe they are securing knowledge from technology alone; many are very young, knowing little of the world.
[NBC Morning News]: Despite the lack of qualified teachers, the school insists that adult guides supervise students while remaining largely uninvolved.
[NBC Morning News Interviewer]: Do you feel comfortable with guides who’ve received no specific training in core subjects?
[Mackenzie Price:] Our guides don’t need subject expertise; they must connect with the students. But what does that imply for the necessity of educated teachers? It’s disconcerting that parents would accept this model for their children’s education.
[NBC Morning News]: Price claims that the AI personalizes lessons efficiently, helping students achieve impressive standardized test scores according to their data—though it raises skepticism regarding the objectivity of this information.
[NBC Morning News]: One recent study discovered that excessive reliance on AI tutors could inhibit a student’s learning progress.
[NBC Morning News Interviewer]: What precautions are implemented to ensure the AI aligns with educational goals?
[Mackenzie Price:] We maintain numerous safeguards to address potential AI risks.
[NBC Morning News]: The tuition for Alpha School is approximately $40,000 per year.
[Mackenzie Price:] Besides academics, students complete a check chart containing varied tasks like running a mile without stopping and assembling IKEA furniture—to enhance life skills with passion projects.
[Student:] Welcome to the Alpha School Airbnb!
[NBC Morning News Interviewer:] You’re only 11 years old, and you’ve already secured over $10,000 in Airbnb bookings?
[Student 2:] Yes, indeed!
[NBC Morning News]: Simultaneously, high school students work on developing AI-enabled applications for dating advice.
[NBC Morning News Interviewer:] So, you’re transitioning from learning via AI to creating your own?
[Student 2:] Yes.
Narrator: This approach appears innovative on the surface, yet concerns arise around children’s genuine learning experiences, as they might overlook essential foundational skills.
[NBC Morning News]: In the current climate of education, kids are expected to learn through engagement with captivating digital platforms rather than personal interactions and connections.
Reflections through the comments section remind us of the possible ramifications:
[Comment 1]: When they say, “AI won’t take jobs,” they mean their jobs, not yours.
[Comment 2]: This seems like the premise of a Black Mirror episode.
[Comment 3]: Unlimited screen time with exorbitant tuition? What can possibly go wrong?
[Comment 4]: Smart kids lacking social and emotional skills is a huge concern for teachers.
[Narrator]: Furthermore, a CNN article revealed that Alpha School’s charter application has been repeatedly rejected by several states due to a lack of qualified teachers and concern regarding the effectiveness of a largely untested educational model.
The narrative also features a parent who sent her daughters to Alpha School, hoping for enhanced academic opportunities. Unfortunately, even though her children met targets, their curiosity evolved into an unhealthy fixation on metrics. This fixation led to anxiety and late nights as they logged extra hours on apps to improve their standings—resulting in the parent deciding to withdraw her children and reinstate them in public school, where they had evidently fallen behind but found a renewed passion for learning.
In conclusion, as a society, we face profound challenges ahead. We must address the pervasive influence of technology on our children’s learning experiences. Open discussions among parents, teachers, and society at large are critical. Insights from varied perspectives can help establish actionable frameworks to ensure our children receive a balanced and effective education, where technology serves as a tool, rather than a crutch. Our efforts today will determine the intellectual and emotional health of future generations.
