Technology has become a big part of students and their everyday lives. In an interview with a restorative justice teacher, Adrian Martinez he shared his thoughts to us on how social media and phone use are changing the way students interact with one another. This educator believes that it is creating more harm than good.
During this interview he explained that many students heavily depend on their phones. It is hard for them to stay disconnected from social media. He explained how students often use technology as an escape from reality and struggle to interact with students around them face to face. He shared that fake accounts, online harassment, and public arguments are becoming more common because of technology. Students don’t speak about conflicts but rather instead run to social media and make posts about it. These problems create uncomfortable environments at school for students. It could affect their mental health and learning.
As a restorative justice teacher he believes that the best solution is communication. Martinez thinks that, “Schools should encourage more activities that bring students together.” Without depending on technology and where they can build stronger and better relationships without cellphone overuse. He works with students directly and helps them talk through their issues. In communicating they are able to understand one another rather than continuing things online. Technology may affect their way to feel empathy for one another because of the things that they experience online.
The interview showed that technology can be harmful depending on how it is managed. Too much dependency on it can create distance between students. Through better communication and more face to face interaction, students may be able to create healthier school communities. It can help them create healthier connections.
Jesse Rodriguez • Jun 10, 2026 at 12:17 pm
Amazing Article! I loved how it showed the effects of social media and phone use on students.