By: Devan Mighton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
It is ever-apparent that not only does technology play a massive role in all of our lives, but that isn’t going away. As we rely more and more on computers, devices, cloud space, streaming, artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and other avenues of tech, our children are gaining access to, learning, and even craving these devices at younger and younger ages.
This access to technology, especially screen time, is shaping the minds of youth and it is very apparent that there is an importance behind unplugging from the virtual world and reconnecting with the actual one.
In response to this, this spring, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) launched their ‘Connected, Not Controlled’ Challenge, encouraging students across the Windsor-Essex Region to learn the effects of technology on their health, well-being, and daily lives and use their voices to raise awareness.
Students were asked to record and submit short public service announcement videos about the effects of technology. These videos were then voted on by the students to help pick the best ones. WECHU reports that they received over 60 video entries, featuring more than 130 students from 19 different schools. Once the videos were posted for public voting, over 2,100 votes were received. Before voting, videos were divided into two classifications for the contest, Gr. 6-8 and Gr. 9-12. Victors could earn up to $300 for their school from the WECHU, and a matching prize for themselves. Voting was conducted from June 2-9, and the winners of the contest were announced on Wednesday, June 11.
“Students were provided with many ideas from the WECHU website on the facts and consequences of too much time on electronic devices, as well as a variety of ideas on the ‘call to action’,” explains St. John the Baptist Catholic Elementary School teacher Thomas Fuerth. “Their PSA had to include one of each of those – a fact and a call to action. “It was very enlightening for them to see some of the downsides and negative side effects of spending too much time on their phones, and the simple things we can do to limit time on electronics.”
He said that the students, who were in Gr. 6 and Gr. 8, enjoyed the assignment because they were able to see the other side of phone use, while working in a collaborative setting and utilizing their creativity.
“After reviewing the rules of the contest, we had the students look through the facts and calls to action to pick ones that meant something to them – ones that helped them better understand the possible consequences of too much screen time,” states Fuerth. “Students then brainstormed ideas on how to do the PSA, keeping it short while getting the message across. Most were able to record their video at school, editing, and some included some ‘special effects’.”
Two of Fuerth’s Gr. 8 students, Jimmy LeBlanc and Luke Montgomery were very successful in the voting, finishing in the Top 5 of the contest in the Gr. 6-8 division with their video ‘Balance & Take Charge’.
“The reaction was quite positive, and the school was pulling for their video,” reports Fuerth. “Everyone was encouraged to vote for the video that was representing our school, and we were proud to see their video chosen as one of the Top 5.”
The students of St. John the Baptist were also awarded the “Highest Participation Prize” by the WECHU and seven of their groups were among the first 25 submissions to qualify for the contest. These students will be honoured with ‘Connected, Not Controlled’ swag from the WECHU for their hard work and dedication.
Balancing a child’s screen time and their access to digital technology is important for their development.
“Digital technology plays a big part in our everyday lives,” said a WECHU press release. “It is important for youth to learn safe and healthy ways to use it. By improving their digital media literacy and understanding how to balance technology use with other activities, they can protect their mental and physical health. Spending too much time on screens can lead to mental health issues, trouble sleeping, and less time being active. It can also affect relationships with friends and family and affect their schoolwork.
“Teaching youth about digital literacy, how to set healthy limits, and encouraging mindful technology use can help them create better habits. This can help them avoid the risks of using too much technology. It is important to educate youth, parents, and educators about good digital habits, so everyone can enjoy a balanced and positive relationship with technology.
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