Bedok Green Primary-- Jovis Teo #SpeakUp2026

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, my name is Tushar Mangjabis, and I am from Redwood Green Primary School. I am here today to speak on the topic, the hidden cost of constant connectivity. Ping a class message, ping a new video, ping a game reminder. We can now contact almost anyone, anywhere, at any time. That is wonderful, but we are always connected. What might we be losing? Digital technology connects us in many powerful ways. We can learn from educational videos, work on projects with classmates, and speak to family members who live far away. During emergencies, we can also call for help quickly. Connectivity gives us information, opportunities, and convenience. However, just because we can be online constantly does not mean we should be. Sometimes, what appears free has a hidden cost. I will watch only one short video. One video becomes five, five becomes twenty, and suddenly an hour has disappeared. Online time can replace time for reading, exercising, sleeping, and even talking to our families and friends. Notifications also divide our attention. We may be doing our homework, but part of our mind is waiting for the next message. Constant connectivity can also affect our relationships. Imagine sitting with a friend who keeps looking at the screen. You'll never believe what happened today. Sorry, what did you say? A device may connect us to someone far away while separating us from the person beside us. Online messages are helpful, but true connection isn't about the number of contacts we have. It is about how deeply constant connectivity can also be stressful. We may feel the need to respond immediately. Comparing our lives to others' carefully selected moments can make us feel worried, tired and even not good enough. Rest is not useless. Silence is not emptiness. Sometimes, our minds simply just need some space to think, imagine, and simply breathe. At Bedok Green Primary School, our vision is to develop empowered learners, persons of strength and character. An empowered learner uses technology with purpose. Persons of strength have the discipline to put a device aside. A person of character has communicated kindly and responsibly. Our school's mission is to empower busy brains to learn, succeed and nurture us to become confident persons and concerned citizens. So, how can we reduce the hidden costs? Well, we can actually turn off unnecessary notifications, set limits on screen and keep our devices away during meals and conversations. Most importantly, we can pause and ask, is technology serving me or am I serving it? We do not need to reject technology, we simply need to use it wisely. Being connected is valuable, but being present is priceless. I would like to thank the judges and the lovely audience for this opportunity to present myself today. Thank you.