The Algerian education system is grappling with the growing trend of students using TikTok Live during classes, raising concerns about the impact on learning and discipline. According to Yazid Bouanane, chargé de communication du Conseil national autonome des directeurs des lycées (CNADL), this phenomenon is a symptom of a broader set of complex issues, including the erosion of family authority and difficulties in managing classrooms. The widespread use of smartphones among students has created a new challenge for teachers and school administrators.
One factor contributing to this trend is the proliferation of informal private tutoring centers, which often have large numbers of students and lax pedagogical and regulatory frameworks. These centers, sometimes with over 100 students, can create an environment that encourages noise and disorder, which can then spill over into public schools. The festive atmosphere that sometimes accompanies the end of lessons at these centers can lead to a culture of relaxation that affects students' behavior in public schools.
The role of parents is also crucial in addressing this issue. The lack of parental vigilance, combined with early and unrestricted access to digital tools, can lead to addiction among adolescents. When students become accustomed to using smartphones constantly, it can be difficult to restrict their use during school hours. This situation highlights the need for stricter rules and regulations to manage the use of mobile devices in schools.
Teachers also face challenges in managing classrooms in the face of students' widespread use of smartphones and social media. Some educators, particularly those with less experience, may lack the pedagogical skills or confidence to establish a calm and disciplined learning environment. This underscores the need for ongoing training and support for teachers to help them develop the skills they need to manage their classrooms effectively.
The current disciplinary framework in Algerian schools prioritizes an educational approach over punitive measures. However, some observers argue that this framework needs to be adjusted to provide school administrators with more effective and dissuasive sanctions to address modern challenges. The issue is complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive and coordinated response from all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, school administrators, and the Ministry of Education.
A key aspect of addressing this challenge is the need for a collective and coordinated effort from all stakeholders. This includes parents, teachers, school administrators, and the Ministry of Education, who must work together to establish clear regulations on mobile device use and implement targeted prevention measures against the misuse of social media in schools. By working together, the education system can establish effective safeguards to mitigate the negative impacts of TikTok Live and other social media phenomena.
Ultimately, resolving this crisis will require a sustained commitment to addressing the root causes of the problem. This includes providing teachers with the training and support they need, engaging parents in the educational process, and establishing clear and effective regulations on mobile device use in schools. By taking a comprehensive and coordinated approach, Algerian schools can mitigate the challenges posed by TikTok Live and other social media phenomena and create a more focused and effective learning environment.
Key points
- Algerian schools face challenges due to students' increasing use of TikTok Live during classes.
- The issue is linked to broader challenges, including the erosion of family authority and difficulties in managing classrooms.
- A collective and coordinated effort from all stakeholders is needed to address the issue.
