A former UK teacher gained attention this week after sharing a heartfelt video online, expressing her thoughts on how technology has negatively impacted education, describing it as having “smashed” the learning experience.
In her TikTok video, which has now garnered over one million views, Hannah shared her concerns about AI tools making teaching more challenging. She noted that many students seem to depend heavily on technology instead of putting in their own effort.
According to Hannah, students struggle with basic reading skills due to reliance on reading aids and become easily distracted by the high stimulation offered by social media. “They want to use [technology] for entertainment. They don’t want to use it for education,” she remarked in her popular video.
Recently, Hannah decided to leave her teaching position after facing difficulties related to her students’ dependence on technology. “I think AI can be useful in classrooms if implemented correctly, especially for older students who know how to use it effectively. But with unrestricted access, they just won’t do their own work,” she told Fox & Friends.
She further explained the challenges she faces, highlighting instances where students submit work generated by AI like ChatGPT. When she questions them about it, they often admit they opted for the easy way out instead of tackling the assignment themselves.
While she acknowledges having many enthusiastic and motivated students, she feels that technology may be doing more harm than good when misused.
Hannah advocates for significant changes to better prepare students for future success. In her original TikTok, she suggested, “We might need to limit technology access for students until they reach college. Call it old-fashioned if you want, but just look at the test scores and literacy rates from the times when technology wasn’t as prevalent.”
In recent years, at least eight states have enacted or are considering laws to limit cell phone use in schools, reflecting a growing trend. Governors across the political spectrum, including those from Alabama and Missouri, have supported these mobile phone bans, emphasizing the need for students to focus on learning rather than on their devices.
This raises an ongoing discussion about the balance between technology and education—one that many educators and policymakers are keen to address.
