The children growing up now are what we describe as digital natives. Starting with GenZ and then followed by successive generations – these young people will never know a world without the internet, social media, online shopping, smartphones, tablets, and other digital innovations.

This means throughout their lifetime, they will generate a steady stream of electronic waste, and so teaching them responsible methods for dealing with it should be a priority for parents and schools.

So, what e-waste activities for students can be developed by schools to teach students how to dispose of such equipment? It boils down to understanding some key concepts:

• The damage e-waste is causing to our environment
• How easy it is to recycle electronic devices
• Develop skills to repair or repurpose old electronics (maker movement)
• Understand that even a device that’s stopped working still has value

Schools can design lessons and practical exercises around understanding these concepts. Lessons can teach children about all the harmful metals and chemicals present in computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices and how these can leech into the soil and water supplies if they are not disposed of responsibly.

Computer recycling in schools can show students how even no longer functional computers can be broken down for spare parts and how their various components can be recycled into new products. Devices that are still functional can be donated to charities that redistribute them to communities that desperately need them. We can sometimes forget how important digital connectivity is to live today and must always be mindful of the millions of children and adults worldwide who don’t have access to a computer or the internet.

Getting children interested and involved in these processes will help reinforce the message of how vital e-waste management in schools and at home ensures a better future for everyone.