DEAR EDITOR:

Remote learning has become a new trend for elementary, middle and high schools. Remote learning may seem like the ideal way to enhance education for most, but the long-term drastic effects it can cause are becoming detrimental for the future of society.

According to the National Library of Medicine, COVID-19 began to rise in January 2020, which led to all but one school in the United States being

closed for a minimum of eight weeks.

Due to the pandemic, there have been several studies on the impact of remote learning on one’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional health. The National Library of Medicine supports the idea that lacking quality education impacts health, income and opportunities in the future.

The mental effects related to overuse of electronic devices include no in-person contact with other students and teachers, attention deficits, stress, depression and altered sleep patterns. While the amount of time students spent staring at a computer screen increased, the rates of academic difficulties in reading, mathematics and language skills increased.

It is important for schools to continue to provide traditional in-person classroom experiences for students of all ages to help them continue to build relationships, communicate, stay connected and feel a sense of belonging, as well as get a well-structured education to promote future growth.

CHARLEE ANN GREEN

West Middlesex, Pa.