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Smartphone Ban Boosts Focus, Reveals Clock Reading Crisis

12/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

New York City teachers say a smartphone ban has improved focus yet exposed a gap in analog clock literacy.
Tiana Millen, an assistant principal, notes that many teens struggle to read clocks and frequently ask for the time.
A 2017 study found only 20% of children aged 6-12 could read clocks.
Educators emphasize balancing digital skills with traditional ones to address the gap.

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Story summary

New York City teachers say a smartphone ban has improved focus yet exposed a gap in analog clock literacy.
Tiana Millen, an assistant principal, notes that many teens struggle to read clocks and frequently ask for the time.
A 2017 study found only 20% of children aged 6-12 could read clocks.
Educators emphasize balancing digital skills with traditional ones to address the gap.