‘They can’t even tie their shoe laces’: How young is too young for a school laptop?

Concerns about Early Laptop Use in Schools

The article discusses concerns about the increasing use of laptops and iPads in primary schools, particularly among younger children. Parents and educators are debating the appropriateness of introducing technology at a young age, raising worries about distraction, lack of consistency in usage, and the potential detriment to foundational learning skills.

Impact on Learning and Development

Studies suggest that handwriting enhances brainpower more than typing, and experts question the lack of evidence supporting screen-heavy lessons in early education. Professor Lorraine Hammond emphasizes the importance of teacher-led instruction and development of foundational literacy skills in early years, arguing that iPads often serve as mere distractions.

School Policies and Parental Perspectives

Some schools, like Marist College North Shore, are responding to concerns by implementing tech-free days and surveying parents' views on device usage. However, the inconsistent approach to BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies across schools adds pressure to parents, particularly concerning online homework and the associated distractions.

Government and Education Authority Positions

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) states that schools are best equipped to decide on technology use, reflecting the decentralized nature of policy decisions. While the NSW government recently banned mobile phones in public schools, the issue of laptop integration remains open to debate.

• Concerns about distraction and lack of focused learning.
• Debate on the optimal age for technology integration in education.
• Inconsistent policies and differing approaches across schools.
• The importance of foundational learning skills in early education.