The concept of digital classrooms is not new, and it has risen to even greater heights in recent years. It is no surprise. After all, there is better access to technology, and more reputable educational institutions are offering online programs. It usually offers more flexibility as well. Incorporating the use of gadgets and online learning can be an innovative way of keeping students engaged. I believe it also evens out the playing field in education. One can learn anytime, anyplace. However, as a clinical psychologist, I consider the connection between digital classrooms and mental health.
Why do we have to consider digital classrooms and mental health?
One reason why it is important to consider the learning environment of students is that it can be one of the most impactful factors in a person’s mental health. It does not matter if it is online or offline. Social dynamics and academic performance can make it into a stressful situation. The process of learning is worthwhile, but it can be laden with triggers. In fact, the American Psychological Association names academic pressure as one of the top causes of stress for teenagers.
It is known that students perform better academically when their mental health is strong. In contrast, some of the symptoms of mental health challenges are the lack of concentration and forgetfulness. These can prevent them from doing their best in school. More so, the difficulties caused by a stressful environment can lead to more severe consequences later on. Those with unsupported mental health issues are more prone to developing mental and physical disorders. Burnout and lack of motivation can also lead to decreased prospects in the future.
If we want to have better-performing students, I believe we must consider digital classrooms and mental health.
Digital classrooms are a unique environment
The usual learning settings are already rife with mental health landmines and digital classrooms add more complexities. First, the usual support systems of peers and friends are not as strong. Think about it: you see people every day and spend a good amount of time chatting with each other. You commiserate over disappointing grades and lend notes to help each other out. This is a typical classroom experience.
On the other hand, digital classrooms tend to be all about business. You log in then log off. There are not too many opportunities to interact outside of the lessons tackled during class.
It is not just the lack of personal interactions that can make relating with others difficult when using digital classrooms. Also the quality of the interactions themselves play an important role. It is harder to pick up subtle changes in facial expressions when you see someone on screen. Email certainly does not capture the nuances of speech patterns. It is easier to trigger miscommunication and miss social cues.
All of these things can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. While it is possible to foster connections with people online, face-to-face interactions are easier to navigate.
Cyberbullying can occur even in educational settings
Just like how bullying can happen in a playground, a digital classroom can also be a venue for harassment. Cyberbullying is the intentional harming of someone using digital devices. It can mean spreading rumors, posting hateful comments, or taking unwanted pictures.
In a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2022, 46 percent of teens in the United States said they experienced at least one of the six types of cyberbullying named in the survey. These are offensive name-calling, spreading rumors, receiving unwanted messages, persistent questioning, physical threats, and having their pictures shared without their consent.
For students who are constantly online, because that is how they receive an education, it is harder to remove themselves from a situation where bullying occurs. They are more at risk simply because they are online longer.
Cyberbullying has devastating effects on a person’s emotional health. Those who are bullied are prone to depression and anxiety. They can have self-esteem issues even after the bullying stopped. Bullies are also mentally affected. They are more likely to engage in anti-social and violent behaviors even as adults. In short, no one wins in a bullying situation and intervention should be done as soon as possible.
Excessive screen time can cause tech stress
It is no accident that the internet is nicknamed the information highway. Information comes at you fast. This can be a great advantage to learners because they can develop more skills and learn new things. However, much like a highway, there are also dangers. Overexposure to information can affect a student’s attention span and focus. Digital classrooms blur the distinction between school and home because they are often the same place. It is harder to turn off the work mode if there is no change in the environment.
Aside from this, technology-related stress is also a factor in the mental strain faced by students learning online. They have to learn new software and contend with technical issues. Tech does not come easy for everyone. Like other stressors, these difficulties can trigger frustration and anger. It is important to note that your body will not automatically categorize stress as big or small. Even mundane events like a malfunctioning app can be overwhelming to some.
Digital classrooms also have the tendency to contribute to a sedentary lifestyle. The link between good mental health and exercise has long been established. People who exercise regularly usually have healthier emotional states. Generally, they have better moods and cognitive abilities. Unfortunately, digital classrooms do not offer much opportunity for movement.
Conclusion
A study by the Yale School of Medicine took a look at the screen activity of adolescents and found that those who spent the most time using screens were more likely to develop issues two years later. Some of the internalizing problems listed in the study are depression, anxiety, and somatic complaints. Marc Potenza, MD, PhD, the study’s senior author noted that it is important to understand the relationship between mental health and screen time because technology has become so prevalent.
There is no denying that the opportunity to learn, including the use of a digital classroom, has benefits. In fact, it can improve mental health by increasing confidence and self-worth. But one must not overlook that this method of education can also pose challenges to the mental health of students.
Parents, educators, and even the learners themselves must recognize these issues to actively create a safe and enjoyable learning environment. To help ensure a positive digital classroom experience, contact child psychologist Zita Chriszto to come up with the right strategies to support mental health.