Synopsis
Hollywood actor Hugh Grant has condemned schools for their reliance on technology, advocating for a ban on laptops and tablets in classrooms. He joined the Close Screens, Open Minds campaign to raise awareness of the negative impacts of screen time on children.Key Takeaways
- Hugh Grant criticizes the overuse of technology in schools.
- He is part of the Close Screens, Open Minds campaign.
- Grant believes parents must unite against EdTech issues.
- He calls for a new approach to education focusing on outdoor activities.
- Grant describes his struggle as an 'angry parent.'
London, April 25 (NationPress) Hollywood actor Hugh Grant has criticized "pathetic" schools and advocated for a prohibition on laptops and tablets within educational settings.
As reported by The Telegraph, the actor expressed his concerns at an event in a west London school, collaborating with the campaign group Close Screens, Open Minds, alongside social psychologist Dr. Jonathan Haidt and actress Sophie Winkleman.
Grant, a father of five, voiced his frustrations, describing himself as “another angry parent engaged in the relentless, exhausting, and disheartening struggle against children who only wish to be glued to a screen.”
He remarked: “The tipping point was when the school proudly proclaimed that every child receives a Chromebook, and they conduct numerous lessons and complete all their homework on it. You just thought this is the last thing they need, and the last thing we require.”
With children aged between six and fifteen, Grant highlighted that many parents are apprehensive about “upsetting the status quo.”
He elaborated: “I don’t believe politicians take action for the right reasons, even when it concerns safeguarding children. They only act in ways that promote their electoral success. Their careers take precedence.”
“Thus, I believe the correct approach is to rally parents, as once a significant number of parents express their outrage over EdTech and other related issues like mobile phones, that’s when politicians start to pay attention due to their fears.”
“That is also when schools begin to heed the concerns, as they dread losing students and revenue.”
Additionally, he criticized the “absurdly elitist private schools” where his children study for limiting outdoor activities, stating: “They’re the ones saying they can’t play outside today because of rain or can’t use the climbing frame due to wind. It’s utterly ridiculous. There is a clear opportunity here for a hero school, a new type of institution that can break the mold.”
