Pinterest is testing a new feature aimed at encouraging kids between the ages of 13 to 17 to spend less time on their phones. The pop-up notification will prompt users to close the app during school hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The goal is to help students focus on their education and minimize distractions caused by smartphones. Pinterest claims to be the first tech company to test such a proactive feature to support students’ academic pursuits.
Wanji Walcott, Pinterest’s chief legal and business affairs officer, emphasized the importance of schools leveraging technology to benefit students while minimizing distractions. The company believes that collaboration between tech companies, teachers, parents, and policymakers is crucial to ensure that smartphones are used as tools rather than distractions in educational settings. Pinterest is working towards creating solutions that promote digital literacy and help students make more conscious choices regarding their screen time.
New York State is considering implementing a bell-to-bell phone ban in schools, joining other states that have already restricted or prohibited phone use during the school day. Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has expressed his support for phone-free school policies and the Kids Online Safety Act, indicating a proactive stance against phone addiction and promoting healthier digital habits among students. By testing the pop-up notification feature, Pinterest is taking a step towards creating a more balanced digital environment for young users.
In addition to the pop-up notification test, Pinterest announced a $1 million grant to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) to support school leaders in fostering a healthy digital culture within their institutions. The grant will fund task forces in 12 school districts nationwide to develop policies that enhance students’ digital wellbeing and promote responsible technology use. By investing in initiatives that promote digital literacy and mindfulness, Pinterest aims to contribute to a more positive and productive digital ecosystem for students across the country.
As technology continues to play a significant role in education, it is essential to address the potential challenges and distractions that smartphones can bring to the learning environment. By implementing strategies to limit phone use during school hours and encourage students to focus on their studies, schools and tech companies like Pinterest are working together to create a supportive and conducive learning environment. Through collaborative efforts and proactive initiatives, the aim is to help students utilize technology as a beneficial tool for learning while mitigating the negative impacts of excessive screen time on their academic performance and overall wellbeing.
