Neuroscientist, Hutchison Parent Talks Impact of Technology on Students

Our new cell phone policy has been a success, but we're all still learning about how prominent cell phones and social media are in our lives. Dr. Eraina Schauss, Hutchison parent and the founding director of The University of Memphis BRAIN Center, provided insights from her research on this topic with our parents in two different sessions.

Dr. Schauss discussed the brain’s development stages and how technology, particularly smartphones, can affect attention, self-control, and executive function. She highlighted the rise in pediatric mental health issues, such as ADHD and anxiety, linked to increased screen time. She emphasized the importance of setting age-appropriate screen time limits, creating family media plans, and fostering healthy technology habits to support our girls’ cognitive and emotional well-being.
 
“Thanks to Dr. Ring and the Hutchison administration for implementing this incredible policy. Having no smartphones is going to be instrumental in our children’s ability to succeed, learn, and form dynamic friendships and relationships,” Dr. Schauss said. “Hopefully, this precedent will set the stage not only in the school but also outside of the school. The school can function as a model for what healthy relationships can look like and translate to the outside world, where students are more engaged in physical activities, sports, arts, music, and all kinds of things, opening them up and more.”

At these conversations, it was wonderful to see so many parents interested in learning more about the research backing our new cell phone policy. We are grateful to Dr. Schauss for sharing her expertise with parents from all divisions.