Central Idea

The UNESCO has released Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2023.
The report warned against the negative impacts of excessive screen time on children’s well-being and academic performance.

What is UNESCO?
Full Name	United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Established	November 16, 1945
Headquarters	Paris, France
Director-General	Audrey Azoulay
Purpose	To promote peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication.
Functions	– Promoting education for all – Supporting scientific research – Safeguarding cultural heritage – Fostering freedom of expression – Promoting media development
Membership	Over 190 member states
World Heritage Sites	Over 1,100 designated sites worldwide
Languages	Official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish Working languages: English, French

About Global Education Monitoring Report 2023

Established in 2002, the GEM Report is an editorially independent report, hosted and published by UNESCO.
At the 2015 World Education Forum, it received a mandate from 160 governments to monitor and report on progress on education SDG 4.0.
The report provides in-depth analysis and assessment of key education issues and challenges worldwide.
It also offers evidence-based insights and policy recommendations to improve education systems and outcomes.

Ills of digital learning: The report highlights that learning benefits diminish if technology is used excessively or without qualified teachers’ involvement.
Equitable Learning: The report reveals that inequities in learning emerge when instruction becomes exclusively remote, affecting vulnerable students, especially in rural areas.
Evidence-based Approach: The report urges for sound, impartial evidence on technology’s impact in education, as most available evidence originates from technology companies and may be biased.
Long-term Costs and Sustainability: Countries need to consider the long-term costs of digital learning and connectivity. The expansion of the Edtech market should not overshadow unmet basic education needs.
Threats posed by AI: The growth of generative AI and technology necessitates digital literacy and critical thinking skills.
Protecting Children’s Rights: During the pandemic, many online education initiatives risked infringing on children’s rights.

The report endorses banning smartphones in schools if technology integration does not improve learning or negatively affects student well-being.
Research indicates that banning mobile phones from schools can lead to better academic performance, especially among low-performing students.