The digital age has brought with it a plethora of new challenges for educators trying to keep students focused on their academics.
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The latest thorn in their side? TikTok.
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In a bid to combat this distraction, a middle school in North Carolina has resorted to removing mirrors from their bathrooms.
The Heart of the Problem
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While scrolling and uploading a quirky clip or two on TikTok may seem harmless, the issue escalates when it starts interfering with educational activities.
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In Southern Alamance Middle School, North Carolina, it became evident that students were spending excessive time in bathrooms, filming TikTok videos instead of attending classes.
Mirrors No More
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The school administrators decided to tackle this issue head-on, and their solution was to remove the mirrors from the restrooms.
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This move aimed to deter students from taking frequent bathroom breaks to film TikTok videos, an activity that was disrupting the academic environment.
The Impact of the Move
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According to Les Atkins, the public relations officer for the Alamance-Burlington School System, this unusual measure has shown positive results.
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Since the removal of mirrors, the school has noticed a significant decrease in bathroom visits and the duration of these visits.
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Seems like students are now more accountable for their time, which is a step towards creating a more conducive learning environment.
A Step Towards Digital Citizenship
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This initiative by the school is part of their broader attempt to instill a sense of ‘digital citizenship’ in students.
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Atkins stated, “Like we all have cell phones now. We have to learn to use them.”
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“We have to learn when to put them down.”
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Tracking Student Movement
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In addition to the mirror removal, the school district has also implemented a digital pass system for students.
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This system allows them to check in and out of class, helping the school keep track of the amount of time students spend away from their classrooms during the day.
A Wider Concern
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This issue is not just confined to Southern Alamance Middle School.
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The growing addiction to TikTok among Gen Z and its potential harmful effects have been a topic of concern among US tech space experts.
Banning the App
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States have also started to take notice of the addictive nature of TikTok.
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Montana became the first US state to ban the app, citing concerns about ‘Chinese Communist Party surveillance’.
Parents Joining Forces
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In the wake of these concerns, parents are rallying together to express their worries about the impact of TikTok on their children.
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ClaimsHero, a company that assists people in communicating with lawyers and managing their claim during the arbitration process, is representing these parents.
A Pending Lawsuit
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ClaimsHero’s website claims, “TikTok is a weapon targeted at America’s youth.”
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They have a lawsuit in progress, with at least 5,000 parents involved, intending to raise awareness about the dangers of the app.
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The case of the Southern Alamance Middle School is a poignant reminder of the challenges the digital age presents to educators and parents alike.
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As we continue to navigate this new era, it’s crucial to strike a balance between harnessing the benefits of technology and mitigating its potential detriments.