“They Don’t Even Know How to Copy and Paste”: Teachers Sound the Alarm About New Generations
The digital world is evolving at lightning speed, yet the computer skills of younger generations seem to be moving backward. Teachers are sounding the alarm as more and more students struggle to perform even the most basic tasks on a computer. This raises critical questions about digital education and the influence of smartphones on learning. What solutions could help close this growing technology gap?
In a world where technology is everywhere, a surprising paradox is emerging: younger generations—despite being born into the digital age—are having increasing difficulty mastering basic computer skills. This concern, highlighted by teachers and researchers in late 2023, challenges our perception of so-called “digital natives.” While smartphones dominate teens’ daily lives, their ability to use a computer for simple tasks is declining, sparking worries about their future adaptability in the workplace.
The paradox of the smartphone generation
Anne Cordier, a researcher in information and communication sciences, has observed an alarming drop in computer skills from early elementary school through high school. This trend is echoed by Cécile Cathelin, a literature teacher and digital literacy trainer, who reports that even simple actions—like opening a Word document—pose difficulties for many high school students.
The Covid-19 lockdown exposed these weaknesses, revealing how unprepared students were for distance learning. Yasmine Buono, a specialist in digital education, challenges the assumption that being fluent in social media and video games translates into overall computer competency.
The smartphone appears to be the main culprit. Often given to children at a very young age, it fosters recreational digital habits at the expense of essential computer and professional skills. Its omnipresence widens the gap between intuitive mobile app usage and the more complex mastery required for desktop software.
Digital inequality: a societal challenge
Unequal access to technology deepens disparities among students. Cordier notes that children from working-class households are particularly affected. The pandemic further highlighted this divide, as computers became essential for remote schooling.
Paradoxically, Cathelin observes that even in private schools—where one might expect stronger digital literacy—students’ skills are not necessarily better. She points out that parents, including those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, rarely pass on their computer knowledge to their children.
This situation raises important questions about intergenerational transmission of digital skills and highlights the need for a more systematic educational approach.
Digital communication and social behavior
Beyond technical abilities, Buono emphasizes the challenges related to digital communication. Students, accustomed to informal exchanges on social networks, often struggle to adopt a professional tone in electronic communication. This issue shows up in difficulties with:
• writing formal emails
• using appropriate polite expressions
• structuring a message coherently
To address these gaps, Buono recommends teaching best practices for digital communication tailored to academic and professional settings.
| Skill | Observed Level | Professional Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Use of office software | Low | High |
| Formal email communication | Medium | High |
| Social media proficiency | High | Medium |
Toward a reform of digital education
To tackle these challenges, several solutions have been proposed. Through her platform Educatee, Cathelin suggests bringing digital professionals into schools to offer students practical, up-to-date expertise.
Cordier advocates reinstating basic computer education within the school curriculum. She stresses the importance of:
- Providing proper equipment in schools
- Integrating computer use into the daily classroom routine
- Training teachers in digital skills
These measures aim to bridge the technology gap and better prepare younger generations for the demands of today’s workplace. The stakes are high: turning passive users of technology into competent, critical participants in the digital world.
Mastering digital tools is becoming essential for the future careers and civic lives of young people—making a comprehensive overhaul of digital education an urgent priority.
