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Neuroscientist Warns Against Screens in Schools

Read this news story in English at three levels, easy, standard, and advanced (B1–C1) — with vocabulary and a comprehension quiz.

Neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath claims that increased screen use in schools is harming children's cognitive abilities and calls for a reduction in educational technology.

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StandardNatural English

Standard version (B1–B2)

Jared Cooney Horvath, a neuroscientist, argues that the rise of screens in schools is negatively impacting children's cognitive abilities. He believes that children today are less cognitively capable than previous generations. Horvath's concerns stem from a decline in IQ scores and academic performance since the year 2000, which he attributes to the increased use of educational technology. He advocates for reducing screen time in academic settings to promote better learning outcomes.

Lesson audio

Standard level

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0:28

Test your understanding

01What does Jared Cooney Horvath want to reduce in schools?

02What has happened to IQ scores since the year 2000?

03What industry is mentioned as a major part of educational technology?

Discussion

How do you think screen time affects children's learning and development?

Vocabulary

  • cognitive word

    related to thinking and understanding

    Cognitive skills are important for learning.

  • educational technology word

    tools and resources used for teaching and learning

    Educational technology includes computers and software.

  • neuroscientist word

    a scientist who studies the brain and nervous system

    The neuroscientist researched how screens affect learning.

  • transferrable word

    able to be used in different situations

    Skills learned in school should be transferrable to real life.

  • IQ scores word

    a measure of intelligence

    IQ scores have been falling in recent years.