Dinowitz on health risks of excessive screen time and assistive technology needs
Dinowitz cites research linking excessive screen time to obesity, sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety. He also acknowledges assistive technology's value for students with disabilities and English language learners, but stresses tools must be vetted and teachers trained.
Research shows that excessive screen time in children is associated with increased risk of obesity, sleep disorders, and mental health conditions,
including depression and anxiety, not to mention the challenges we as parents face when our children are engaged so much with their screens instead of with each other.
As a special education teacher, I also know what assistive technology can do for students with disabilities and English language learners.
But for some of our most vulnerable students, we must also ensure that these tools are vetted and teachers receive robust training lest these tools become substitutes for learning
rather than an accommodation that opens up access to the classroom for our students.