On 30 January, a conference on the use of smart devices in schools will be held in Tartu

At the conference “Smart Devices in Schools – Blessing or Curse?”, researchers will discuss using smart devices in schools. Everyone interested is welcome to attend the conference on January 30.

Smart devices have become a part of everyday life for nearly everyone. These devices provide intelligent solutions that enhance convenience and ease in our daily activities. Most people use a smart device daily and spend hours consuming entertainment. Children are often given access to smart devices at an early age. However, growing research indicates that excessive use of these devices can have negative effects on children’s and young people’s mental and physical health, social skills, relationships, and academic performance.

At the end of September, education experts and parents wrote an open letter requesting that the state develop explicit rules for using smart devices in school environments by the next academic year to support children’s mental and physical health, development, well-being, academic performance, and safety.

Vivian Puusepp, the initiator of the open letter and one of the conference’s organisers, explained that researchers and educators have been invited to speak at the conference. Speakers will include neuroscientist Jaan Aru, Tõrvandi School’s head of studies Jonas Nahkor, head of the Estonian School Psychologists’ Association Karmen Maikalu, Head of the Child Psychiatry section of the Estonian Psychiatric Association Reigo Reppo, and many others.

“At the conference, researchers will present studies on how smart devices affect children and young people. Practitioners who work with children daily will provide insights into the situation in educational and healthcare institutions. The Bullying-Free School initiative (KiVa) will also be represented,” said Puusepp.

The conference “Smart Devices in Schools – Blessing or Curse?” will take place on Thursday, 30 January, from 13:00 to 18:00 in the White Hall of the University of Tartu Museum. School leaders, teachers, other education professionals, local government representatives, and parents are invited to participate. Pre-registration is required by 15:00 on Wednesday, 22 January. The conference will be in Estonian.

The conference “Smart Devices in Schools – Blessing or Curse?” is organised by the University of Tartu Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies. This is a public event. The organiser may take photos, videos, and audio recordings at the event and share them with participants and on public media channels.