Today, more and more parents are opting for online education for their children due to its flexibility and accessibility. However, despite these advantages, online education also has many disadvantages for children that should not be overlooked.
One of the main drawbacks of online education is the loss of social interaction. Children need to interact with other children and adults to develop socially and emotionally. Online learning can lead to a loss of these important interactions, which can have detrimental effects on children’s social and emotional development. In fact, according to a study by the Harvard Graduate School of Education, children who spend more time online are more likely to feel lonely, depressed, and anxious.
Furthermore, online education can also lead to a loss of interaction with teachers, which can have a negative impact on the quality of education that children receive. Teachers play an essential role in children’s development, guiding, encouraging, and helping them overcome challenges. When children study online, they have less interaction with teachers, which can limit their ability to receive constructive feedback and encouragement.
In addition, online learning can also limit children’s creativity. When children study online, they usually follow a predefined curriculum and have little freedom to explore their own interests and passions. This can limit their creativity and their ability to develop their own identity. According to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, children who spend more time online tend to be less creative and imaginative than children who spend more time playing and interacting with other children.
Finally, online education can also have a negative impact on children’s physical health. Children who spend more time online tend to be more sedentary and have less healthy eating habits. According to a study by the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Montreal, children who spend more time in front of a screen tend to have a higher BMI and are more likely to suffer from obesity.
On the other hand, in-person school has many advantages for children. First and foremost, it offers important social interaction, which is essential for children’s social and emotional development. Children need to interact with other children and adults to develop their social skills and their ability to work in teams. According to a study by the University of Chicago, children who have close friends at school are more likely to be happy and successful in life.
In addition, schools offer direct interaction with teachers, which is essential for receiving personalized instruction and individualized help when needed. Learning in a classroom also allows for an emotional connection between students and teachers that cannot be replicated in an online environment, which is beneficial for their emotional well-being and motivation.
On the other hand, it is important to mention that children who study online may have difficulty adapting to the in-person education system if they decide to return to school later. Social skills such as face-to-face communication, collaboration, and problem-solving are essential for success in the professional world. Children who study online may miss out on these important skills and may have difficulty developing them later on.
Finally, there are important advantages to attending in-person instruction. In addition to social skills, students who attend school benefit from a variety of extracurricular activities and programs, such as sports, arts, and clubs. These activities offer an additional opportunity for students to make friends and develop important leadership and collaboration skills. In addition, students who attend school benefit from the expertise and experience of teachers, who can directly answer questions and offer personalized advice to help students succeed.
A study conducted in 2017 by the National Education Association found that students who attend an in-person school tend to have better academic performance than students who study online. In addition, students who attend school are more likely to complete their secondary education and go to college. According to a 2019 study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with a college degree earn on average 80% more than those without a college degree.
In conclusion, online education may be a convenient and flexible option for children, but it also has significant drawbacks, including social skills, mental and physical health, and adaptation to the in-person education system. It is important for parents to consider these factors when deciding on their child’s mode of education. While online education may offer advantages such as flexibility and autonomy, students who attend a in-person school tend to have better academic performance and are better prepared for success in their professional lives. In-person schools also offer a variety of extracurricular activities and programs that provide students with an additional opportunity to develop and make friends. Ultimately, the choice between online and in-person education depends on the needs and priorities of each family, but it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option before making a decision.
ESD European School
Bilingual School
Cabarete / Sosúa, Dominican Republic.
info@europeanschooldr.com