Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Family Advocate for Focused Learning and Digital Wellness in Ohio Schools
Source: https://thenewamericansmag.com/
By Taiwo AKINLAMI & Deba UWADIAE
On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in the educational heartland of Dublin, Ohio, an impactful assembly took place at the Emerald Campus, drawing together a constellation of influential figures, including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted and his wife Tina Husted, as well as key government leaders such as Director Stephen Dackin of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, and Director LeAnne Cornyn of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. This diverse group, encompassing both state leadership and dedicated educators, convened for a roundtable discussion that spanned nearly two hours, focusing on a pressing challenge at the intersection of education and technology: the pervasive influence of cellphones in schools, and the specific impacts of platforms like TikTok. The roundtable provided rich insights and personal anecdotes that underscore a collective endeavor spanning both professional realms and personal convictions.
Governor DeWine expressed the urgency and depth of the concern with clarity, stating, “Cell phone use at school is affecting student’s education and mental health. We just want every school in the state to take a hard, hard look at this.” His words resonate with a call to action, urging educational institutions across Ohio to reevaluate the role of technology within learning spaces. Further emphasizing the significance of the issue, DeWine shared, “When the Chinese government, the communist government, is involved in something, you know they steal anything they can. We see it as our intellectual property all the time. They can gather data on our citizens. None of this is good.”
Lieutenant Governor Husted, with Tina Husted by his side, lent a personal dimension to the dialogue, revealing, “TikTok was banned in my house a long time ago.” This personal testament not only highlights the perceived dangers of specific social media platforms but also demonstrates a proactive approach to safeguarding mental health and academic integrity within the confines of one’s own family.
The conversation at the Emerald Campus brought to light the experiences of educators who have grappled with the challenges and potential solutions related to cellphone use. Dublin City Schools Superintendent Dr. John Marschhausen and Holl Gover, the principal of Northmont Middle School in Clayton, shared their policies designed to mitigate digital distractions. “Kids and parents are asking us to save them from themselves because the cellphones in the lives of children are becoming very addictive,” highlighted Lieutenant Governor Husted, amplifying the sentiment that educational spaces must prioritize learning and personal interaction over digital engagement.
The presence of Tina Husted at the roundtable, engaging in the discourse, signals a poignant reminder of the multifaceted nature of this issue, bridging public leadership and private life. It reflects a holistic approach to navigating the complexities of technology in education—a theme that reverberates deeply within the New American community and beyond.
As the New American community, residing at the crossroads of multiple identities and cultures, reflects on this dialogue, the insights and commitments shared at the Emerald Campus offer a blueprint for balancing the benefits of digital connectivity with the imperative of protecting our children’s educational and developmental trajectories. This narrative, enriched the collective efforts of Ohio’s leaders and educators, goes beyond a mere discussion on technology. It evolves into a compelling story of communal resilience, urging us to harness technology as a force for unity and education, ensuring that our children can navigate their multifaceted worlds with confidence and grace.
This dialogue about technology, education, and mental health, enriched by the insights of state leaders like Directors Dackin and Cornyn, beckons us to embrace our diverse roles—as educators, parents, and community members—in forging environments that foster our children’s growth and ready them to confidently navigate their complex worlds. The collaborative spirit and array of perspectives showcased at the Dublin, Ohio, roundtable underscore the potency of community involvement and the critical need to develop inclusive, engaging, and focused learning spaces. Furthermore, this gathering shines as a guiding light for communities nationwide, prompting a thoughtful reassessment of our interactions with technology in educational contexts. Reflecting on the thoughtful discourse and approaches shared by Governor DeWine, Lieutenant Governor Husted, and other key figures, we are reminded of the collective endeavor’s strength and the vital importance of establishing learning environments that are not only distraction-free but also rich in engagement and inclusivity for the upcoming generations.
