A study by the Alberta Teacher's Association has brought forward new data about how technology is affecting students' health.

Preliminary data from the The Growing Up Digital study uncovered a strong correlation between the use of computers like cellphones, and an increase in mental and health issues with students.

It shows that emotional, social, and cognitive challenges have increased by at least 75%,  along with students' reliance on their devices.

Foothills School District Director of Learning Technology Lyle Roberts says they have been trying to adapt and educate students on using devices for a positive outcome.

"Overall we're trying to be proactive in Foothills, by doing a Digital Citizenship piece," he says. "We're teaching them how to use computers and devices in a manner that would be good for them."

Roberts believes banning technology isn't the answer, as the use of it is inevitable.

"We're almost trying to mimic society, in essence, because they have all these devices at home, and at school. We just want to make sure they're making the best use of them."

FSD Director of Distributed learning Doug Stevens says having technology in the classroom can benefit students. There are new programs for students with reading and writing issues that can transcribe what they say, as well as smartboards that can connect to cellphones.

"It opens up so many more doors," he says. "It takes those barriers to learning out of the way and we can focus on what's important."

To see the study click here

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