A recent study in the UK from a Western University associate professor has shown empathy among youth has gone down as screen time has gone up.
Dr. Kaitlynn Mendes’ study involved surveys, focus groups and more involving nearly 800 teachers, parents, and youths aged 13-18.
They collected the data in 2021 as students headed out of lockdown and back to in-person class.
97% of participants said their screen time went up while on lockdown or learning from home, changing the way youth communicate, concludes Mendes.
Participants also noted an increase in online harassment in its many forms, Mendes said.
The UK is pushing legislation through to address online hatred and Canada is looking at doing the same. But Mendes says the issue can be addressed at a grassroots level.
Mendes hopes to conduct a similar study with Canadian participants in the coming months.
