As a high school educator, I firmly believe that my kids won’t be getting AirPods this holiday season. You’ve probably heard that many teachers have a strong dislike for cellphones. While we may own them, and our children certainly do, the frustration they cause is undeniable.
When I leave school on a Friday, I often feel like shouting at the first person I see, “Put your phone down!” But instead, I simply head home, exhausted. Now, with AirPods being the latest trend on every teen’s wish list, a new layer of chaos has emerged in the classroom.
Excuses and Distractions
Having taught high school for six years, I’ve encountered a range of excuses when I ask students to focus and put their phones away. Some say, “Can I just finish this game?” or “You can’t take my phone; you didn’t buy it!” Others claim they can’t concentrate without music or that their parents would be upset if I took their device. And when I talk to parents about their kids’ distractions, I hear things like, “Feel free to take it, but she gets anxious when I do,” or “He’s bigger than me; I can’t handle it.”
What many parents don’t realize is that if they’re intimidated by their own kid, how do they expect me to manage 30 of them three times a day? I totally understand their struggles; I’m a parent, too. My own kids spend way too much time gaming and scrolling through TikTok, and I wish they’d engage in more productive activities like reading or helping out at home. They know my stance on this!
The AirPods Dilemma
The latest gadget dangling from teens’ ears are AirPods. While it would be nice if they were simply another accessory, they’ve created a whole new set of classroom distractions. Now, students can listen to music from a classmate’s phone without anyone knowing where it’s coming from. It’s amusing to them when I waste precious class time trying to pinpoint the source of the noise.
Plus, these tiny earphones come in a case that’s easy to misplace. I’ve seen them tossed around, landing under desks or far across the room, leading to interruptions as we search for them. And let’s not forget the classic excuse: “I left my AirPods in another classroom,” which conveniently gives them an opportunity to leave class and “look for them.” After all, they cost $159!
That’s right—$159. It’s alarming how much classroom disruption stems from cellphones and their accompanying music. Some students have even failed classes due to their obsession with their devices. Even the brightest, most responsible teens would likely perform better without the constant distractions.
Finding Balance
Today’s kids have practically merged with their technology. The upside? They do tend to fall asleep when you unplug them, but I’d rather not have them snoozing in class. Ideally, they’d be able to put their phones and AirPods away long enough to focus on their education. A teacher can dream, right?
So, this Christmas, my kids won’t be receiving AirPods from me. They don’t need another pricey gadget that will further distract them and likely end up lost or forgotten within a year.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in understanding more about the implications of parenting and technology, check out this blog post for insights on managing distractions. And if you’re curious about maintaining a healthy weight while navigating parenting, this resource offers valuable information. Additionally, for further details about pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource.
Conclusion
In summary, as a teacher, I see firsthand the negative impact of cellphones and devices like AirPods on student engagement and learning. It’s a challenge to manage these distractions, and I’m determined to keep my kids focused on their education rather than getting lost in the latest tech trends.