The exponential increment of the use of technology during virtual school and quarantine has concerned school directives as it could potentially threaten to harm the student’s mental health and well-being.

TCS administrators have shared information and strategies with the students on how to manage their routine and screen time as an approach to address this issue. Several investigations around the world are being carried out concerning people who are too exposed to screens and the repercussions this can result in.

“I think all of us have been affected in some way whether it is at a physical level or a psychological level. Manifestations of this could include exhaustion, headaches, and discomfort. Regarding mental health, excessive use of technology can make people more irascible, stressed, and have greater anxiety,” Andres Rendon, high school counselor, said.

According to Virginia Tech expert Shalini Misra, excessive use of technology without a healthy routine and active breaks can negatively impact the psychological, developmental, social, and physical health of students.

“It’s been rough being surrounded by screens all day long probably because I’m not used to spending so much time in front of them. My eyes feel tired, my body feels exhausted and every day that passes I feel even more worn out after school. That shouldn’t be the case,” Samuel Niño, 11th Grader, said.

The COVID-19 pandemic has implied many biosecurity measures like quarantine, social distancing, and distance learning which have affected the way the human social system works and the development of skills of individual socialization. Studies have proven and emphasized the importance of face to face interaction and how it can benefit others.

“This is a big field that I have not ventured into very carefully but undoubtedly from my personal experience as a psychologist, I understand that this is causing harm or at least affecting the extent that it disrupts our daily lives,” Rendon ‘said.

Although excessive use of technology can have some negative effects on people, it has also offered many positive benefits and played an important role during the global pandemic with education, health, and general welfare.

“I’m not happy with the amount of screentime we are forced to do per day whether it’s working or relaxing, but I have to be grateful that we have this possibility at this time of need,” Rendon said.