UK The school offering a 12-hour day to break phone addiction

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In an effort to combat the  addiction to smartphones among children, a head teacher at All Saints Catholic College in Notting Hill, west London, has made a bold move to extend the school day to 12 hours. Andrew O'Neill, the school's head, is implementing this initiative to provide alternative activities and break the cycle of smartphone dependency among students.

 

Beginning this week, the school day will run from 7 am to 7 pm, offering a variety of extracurricular activities such as art, drama, dodgeball, basketball, and cookery classes after regular lessons. A hot dinner will also be provided, aiming to keep students engaged and occupied in a productive environment beyond the typical school hours.

 

O'Neill expressed deep concerns about the "100 percent addiction" to smartphones among children, which he believes is contributing to heightened levels of anxiety and apathy in today's generation. Beyond the immediate concerns of cyberbullying and online crime, he worries about the long-term consequences of children's growing inability to make eye contact, hold conversations, and form genuine connections with others in real life.

 

 

Although phones have been banned at All Saints since 2016, O'Neill recognizes the need for a more proactive approach to addressing smartphone addiction. Confiscation measures are in place for any phones taken out of bags, which are then locked away for five days. While some parents have expressed dissatisfaction with these measures, O'Neill remains steadfast in his commitment to breaking the cycle of smartphone dependency.

 

The decision to extend the school day reflects O'Neill's desire to provide students with opportunities for play-based activities and social interaction, reminiscent of his own childhood experiences. By offering structured activities in the evening, he hopes to steer students away from retreating to their bedrooms and immersing themselves in smartphone usage.

 

The initiative has garnered support from various quarters, including actress Sophie Winkleman, who advocates for curbing smartphone usage among children to promote healthier lifestyles. Concerns about the isolating and addictive nature of smartphones echo throughout the community, prompting calls for action from parents and educators alike.

 

While the focus remains on providing a supportive environment for students to thrive without the constant distraction of smartphones, O'Neill also emphasizes the need for parental involvement in monitoring children's online activities. He calls for greater accountability, suggesting that parents failing to keep children safe online should be reported to social services or even prosecuted.

 

As the school implements the extended day program, families are encouraged to participate voluntarily, with a nominal fee charged to underscore the value of the initiative. Furthermore, O'Neill has engaged with policymakers, advocating for broader measures to address smartphone addiction among children at a national level.

 

Ultimately, the extended school day initiative at All Saints represents a proactive step towards addressing the pervasive issue of smartphone addiction among children. By providing alternative activities and fostering a supportive environment, educators aim to empower students to break free from the grip of smartphone dependency and rediscover the joys of childhood.

 

2024-04-22

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[retarius]

Yeah, that'll work. 

[brewsterbudgen]

Good grief.  Surely more important things to worry about!  The UK's gone crazy.