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YOUR Independent Community Newspaper Vol. 10 Edition 14
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
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Big tech big threat to children
It’s finally growing time
By Pam Wright Local Journalism Initiative pamwrightlji@gmail.com
Big tech’s tactics are hurting kids and parents and educators need to be aware. That’s according to Christine Preece, mental health lead for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board. “Big tech is created to change people’s brains,” Preece said, noting the entire system is designed to keep online users “addicted and plugged in.” Preece said it’s especially worrisome and harmful for children and teens trying to connect online. Often, the reverse happens with young people becoming increasingly anxious, angry, and isolated. “I have huge concerns about technology,” Preece stressed. “It’s geared toward keeping people engaged because they make
Pam Wright /The Chatham Voice
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more money and that’s often done negatively. “It engages us by upsetting us, like when we experience something online that’s morally wrong.” The result, Preece added, is an increase in “hate and unkindness” among students. She said the problem became particularly noticeable to educators when students returned to in-person learning after the pandemic after being immersed for two years in a digital world. Some are having trouble pivoting back. “We saw a real difference in social and emotional human development in students,” she said when face-to-face learning resumed. “Some of those skills are definitely lacking and we’re working on catching up.” Continued on page 2