Sobering Data on Kids and iPhones
It’s easy to find experts with every opinion under the sun when it comes to the advantages and disadvantages of smart phones for adolescents. But this Atlantic article leans heavily on extensive longitudinal studies, so it is well worth consideration. The article focuses heavily on the social and mental health impacts of smart phone and social media use.
Here’s a sobering excerpt:
“If you were going to give advice for a happy adolescence based on this survey, it would be straightforward: Put down the phone, turn off the laptop, and do something—anything—that does not involve a screen.”
Read more below.
Learning and Study Habits
This article from Nature.com touches on some key learning issues, including:
- procrastination
- cramming
- sleep, and
- stress
It’s in the nature of how our brains learn and consolidate information that steady progress always wins out over Herculean efforts! Forming good habits and routines in high school will pay huge dividends in college and life beyond. Read more below.
Learning How To Learn for Youth
One of the greatest learning tools you can give your high-schooler, and it’s FREE. A free online course from Arizona State University that explains to students how their brains really learn, and how to study more effectively.
I took the original University of San Diego course for adults, which is the most popular MOOC (open internet college course) in the world. It gave me lots of insight into learning and teaching. Consider paying the optional $49 fee. It gets your kid a certificate from Arizona State University, but more importantly, it provides a tangible incentive to complete the course in a timely fashion (You can start and finish at your own pace). Get more information below.
Farrar Tutoring 