This is so interesting, insightful and humane. The school avoidance thing and its obvious intersection with the rise of smartphones — but also your interest in drawing attention to the creative possibilities of these devices rather than demonising seems hopeful to me.
Thanks Leah. Yes, I think in terms of a tool to use creatively for their art practice, the phone camera for these kids is a huge available asset. To have well lit photos - with good contrast, shadows and highlights - to sketch, paint and create their art from is a positive. To this end, their phone can be a bridge rather than a barrier.
The cultural conversation around kids and smartphones these days is delusional from where I sit — the anarcho-capitalist internet isn’t going anywhere! our kids are going to have to learn how to navigate it! with smartphones! the genie is unbottled — now what? perhaps if we spent more time trying to teach kids the creative and educational possibilities of these devices instead of bemoaning and banning them (which is proving largely hopeless) we might actually help prepare them for the actual future and learn something ourselves in the process?
I agree, I agree. The genie is absolutely out and it’s as addictive as the bottle! You know the cycling proficiency courses that primary schools roll out in years 5 & 6? To ostensibly teach road awareness and safety. I’m thinking there’s absolutely as critical a need for phone safety courses for this age group.
My word. Your writing! I have to go back and devour it all again with a fresh day and a new cup of tea. Truly magnificent.
Gosh, thanks !
This is so interesting, insightful and humane. The school avoidance thing and its obvious intersection with the rise of smartphones — but also your interest in drawing attention to the creative possibilities of these devices rather than demonising seems hopeful to me.
Thanks Leah. Yes, I think in terms of a tool to use creatively for their art practice, the phone camera for these kids is a huge available asset. To have well lit photos - with good contrast, shadows and highlights - to sketch, paint and create their art from is a positive. To this end, their phone can be a bridge rather than a barrier.
The cultural conversation around kids and smartphones these days is delusional from where I sit — the anarcho-capitalist internet isn’t going anywhere! our kids are going to have to learn how to navigate it! with smartphones! the genie is unbottled — now what? perhaps if we spent more time trying to teach kids the creative and educational possibilities of these devices instead of bemoaning and banning them (which is proving largely hopeless) we might actually help prepare them for the actual future and learn something ourselves in the process?
I agree, I agree. The genie is absolutely out and it’s as addictive as the bottle! You know the cycling proficiency courses that primary schools roll out in years 5 & 6? To ostensibly teach road awareness and safety. I’m thinking there’s absolutely as critical a need for phone safety courses for this age group.
What a year, month, day - so dynamic!
I can imagine your teens got a lot from the time you gave them today.
I'm looking forward to following your phone photography tips too.
🤩
Thanks. Yep, I hope so. it’s a lot at times.