TECH DANGERS

 

HEAVY use of digital technology in schools, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent long lockdown, is taking a big toll on children’s mental health as well as cognitive abilities. Assessment data collected from all over the world has suggested a negative link between excessive use of technology and student performance. Yet, the indifference towards possession of smartphones with school children continues as the data shows. Less than one in four countries have banned smartphone use in schools, tells a report by Global Education Monitoring. It is an alarming trend and the problem is, perhaps, being taken too lightly by most of countries. The report has clearly mentioned the high costs that a society pays for too much attention on technology in education. It should be taken as a timely warning by school authorities across India. Many schools have strict guidelines about cell phone use during school hours but clandestine use of smartphones keep distracting students and has a negative impact on their learning. Onus is also on the parents who readily give smartphones to their children without caring the long-term effect of its use. Beyond a moderate threshold, use of smartphones by school students will only have a negative impact.

 

 

JUST a fortnight ago, Novak Djokovic was facing pricking queries about his future after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. Even the Serb was not sure about the way ahead but he was determined to give the elusive gold medal in Olympics a last shot. As destiny would have it, Djokovic and Alcaraz clashed again in the final and this time it was Nole’s turn to show the young Spaniard and also the world that he is not done yet. With the gold in Paris, Djokovic has ended a debate and started a new chapter in his magnificent career which has now featured an Olympic gold medal to go with the 24 Grand Slam titles. Djokovic also became the oldest man to win the singles gold in tennis since 1908 as he prevented Alcaraz from becoming the youngest to take the honour. The Olympic victory was a balm much needed for Djokovic to keep pursuing his quest for more glories on the ATP circuit. He is now the only flag-bearer of his generation after the retirement of Roger Federer and stop-start journey of Rafael Nadal. The new generation has also found its poster-boy in Alcaraz and that makes tennis all the more interesting in the coming day. All Djokovic needs is the fire that got him gold.