Focus on improving media literacy [letter]

"There are only two industries that call their customers 'users': illegal drugs and software" — Edward Tufte, Yale University professor emeritus of political science and computer science.

It's a provocative quote for all the right reasons. According to studies, there is a correlation between teenagers dying by suicide or attempting suicide and the increases in electronic device usage by teenagers in the past decade or so.

However, you and I both know this, so I'll spare you the details and just give you my pitch.

Schools are more unsafe than ever before, and both parents and students value the direct line of communication that cellphones provide. They're for when, not if, something happens.

I believe that, instead of a restrictive approach to cellphone usage in schools, students would benefit more from media literacy training.

We already know that financial literacy training in school proves to be wise for a healthy economy, so it seems clear what curricula reform relating to media literacy and technology would do.

My approach to this education would also build healthier relationships among our educators, who are becoming increasingly divided.

Layne Heininger

West York, York County

Saint Vincent College

Communication major

Class of 2025

President, Communication Club