How do foreign countries teach students to use smartphones and iPads?

In the US, according to the newspaperNew York Times, Maryland is the first state to pass a law aimed at addressing parents' concerns about the use of electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets in schools.

Set time limits or ban altogether

The law was passed in April this year and will officially take effect in the middle of next year. Currently, the state of Maryland requires the education sector to develop regulations for the safe and optimal use of digital electronic devices in schools.

While waiting for statewide regulations, some schools have their own policies. The Baltimore County public school system requires that high school students use computers for no more than half of the school day.

Along with that, students are also required to take a break from computer work every 20 minutes and not use computers during breaks.

With stricter management, France has issued a regulation "absolutely banning" smartphones and tablets in schools to avoid students being distracted by devices that can connect to the Internet.

According to the newspaperThe SunSince July this year, the French National Assembly has passed a law banning the use of smartphones and tablets in schools. This ban is not only during school hours but also during breaks, not only in the classroom but also in hallways, playgrounds or during lunch.

The ban also applies to smartwatches and other connected electronic devices, requiring students to either turn them off or leave them at home. The law applies to all students between the ages of 3 and 15.

However, in secondary schools, the use of electronic devices by students will depend on the regulations of each school. There are also exceptions to this law related to the use of electronic devices in lessons, as homework or to support students with disabilities.

Used for study still worried

To date, health concerns related to children's use of electronic devices have focused primarily on entertainment issues.

Studies have shown that children who are exposed to too much Internet or play games regularly can become obsessed with online activities to the point of avoiding real-life activities and relationships.

Aware of these risks, a group of Apple shareholders recently sent a letter to the company warning about the potential risks of abusing iPhones and iPads, and asked Apple to develop tools to help parents better manage their children when using these devices.

Many pediatricians also warn that excessive use of digital devices in class as well as when doing homework can cause consequences for students' physical and mental health, such as vision problems, poor sleep, and device "addiction."

Experts note that some classroom learning apps use video game-like rewards to engage and motivate learners, leaving many students so engrossed in their devices that they can't put them down.

"The concern is that many of the programs that students are using in school are entertaining and 'gamified,'" said Dr. Scott Krugman, a pediatrician in Baltimore County. "We feel like these are things that need to be monitored and supervised."

Still, experts like Dr. David L. Hill of Wilmington, New York, argue that math apps designed like video games can benefit learners, even if they may foster some bad habits in kids.