BEND, Ore. – In a unified effort, 135 local healthcare providers in Bend-La Pine Schools are set to address concerns regarding tablet and phone use among students. This cohort of professionals, including pediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and social workers, will deliver a letter outlining recommended policy changes to the school board. The initiative aims to prioritize students’ mental and physical well-being, as well as their academic success.
The presentation of the letter is scheduled for the upcoming Bend-La Pine School Board meeting, where a representative from the health community will voice their collective apprehensions. Among the concerns raised are the detrimental effects of tech addiction on children’s behavior, mood, attention, academic performance, and overall health, as observed in their respective practices.
Dr. Kate Broadman, a local pediatrician spearheading the movement, has garnered broad support from healthcare providers who echo worries over the ramifications of excessive iPad and phone usage in educational settings. The call for policy reform aligns with ongoing advocacy efforts by Well Wired, a local organization dedicated to promoting healthy tech usage in Central Oregon.
Well Wired’s advocacy extends beyond the confines of the school board meeting, with plans to engage parents, caregivers, and educators in expressing their shared concerns. The organization emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to technology integration in education, highlighting the importance of fostering crucial skills such as handwriting, creativity, critical thinking, and interpersonal relationships.
In addition to advocating for policy changes within the school district, Well Wired, alongside Dr. Broadman and other healthcare providers, is seeking collaboration to enhance the well-being of students in Bend-La Pine Schools. The proposed policy recommendations include removing iPads for younger elementary grades, enforcing age-appropriate screen time limits, and promoting hands-on learning experiences whenever feasible.
The coalition’s efforts have gained momentum, with widespread support from concerned parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals in Central Oregon. Through a series of initiatives and engagements, they strive to address the pervasive issue of tech addiction and its impact on youth mental health. As the community voices its collective concerns, the push for a more mindful approach to tech usage in schools continues to gain traction.