Half of Parents Say Technology Hinders Classroom Connections
A national poll conducted by The Kids Mental Health Foundation, in partnership with Ipsos, has revealed that 50% of parents believe excessive time spent on technology and social media negatively impacts children's ability to form meaningful connections in the classroom. The survey, which included over 1,000 parents across the United States, identified technology overuse and cultural differences as significant challenges for children's social interactions at school. Specifically, 19% of parents reported that differences in race, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status, or gender identity hinder their children's ability to connect with peers.
Dr. Ariana Hoet, executive clinical director of The Kids Mental Health Foundation and a pediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, advised parents to watch for warning signs that their child's technology usage might be affecting their real-world social connections. She emphasized the importance of supporting children from marginalized or underrepresented groups to help them feel a sense of belonging. The study underscores the need for parents and caregivers to monitor their children's technology use and provide resources to foster better social integration in school environments.
