The article discusses the irony of schools restricting cellphone use while simultaneously promoting social media, particularly Instagram, to students. It compares the situation to a fictional dentist who warns against the dangers of candy while offering it to patients. The piece highlights the detrimental effects of social media, especially on young users, and questions the wisdom of schools encouraging its use. The author, a journalism professor at the University of Kansas, points out the disconnect between restrictions on cellphone use and the promotion of social media in schools. He raises concerns about the impact of social media platforms like Instagram on teenagers’ mental health and questions the motives behind recent restrictions imposed by the app. The article calls for a reevaluation of how schools engage with social media and urges adults to avoid hypocritical practices that may harm young people. As a father of teenagers, the author emphasizes the need for responsible decision-making and highlights the potential dangers of social media use among youth. Ultimately, the piece urges schools to consider the impact of their actions on students and to prioritize their well-being over convenience or popularity.
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