Schools across the UK have started swapping out old-fashioned analogue clocks for digital ones, especially in exam halls. The reason? A growing number of students can’t read them! This decision is sparking a lot of debate—both online and in classrooms. It raises questions about the impact of modern technology on basic life skills and how schools should adapt to meet the needs of today’s tech-savvy teens.

The Move to Digital

Imagine sitting in a high-stakes exam like a GCSE or A-Level test. You’ve studied for months, memorized all those formulas, and feel prepared, but then you look up at the wall to check the time. Instead of a digital display, there’s a clock with hands. And suddenly, you freeze. You can’t figure out how much time is left. That’s a reality for many students today.

Malcolm Trobe, a representative from the Association of School and College Leaders, explained that most students nowadays have grown up surrounded by digital technology. From smartphones to laptops, they’ve been conditioned to see time in digital formats. According to Trobe, “The current generation isn’t as good at reading traditional clock faces as older generations.” Almost everything they interact with—whether it’s their phone, tablet, or even the microwave—gives them a digital representation of time​(Peoplemag).

Teachers and school leaders say the goal is simple: make exam time less stressful. Students are already anxious about their performance; they shouldn’t have to worry about deciphering a clock. So, many schools have decided to replace analogue clocks with digital ones, especially in exam settings. It’s an effort to help students focus more on their answers and less on figuring out how much time is left.

A Social Media Firestorm

As with anything these days, the change didn’t go unnoticed on social media. Twitter exploded with reactions—both for and against the move. Some people were absolutely shocked that teenagers can’t read an analogue clock. “If they can’t read a clock, how are they going to manage the real world?” one user asked. Another argued, “If students can’t tell the time, they shouldn’t be sitting exams in the first place.”

But not everyone was critical. Some teachers shared their support, saying it just makes sense in today’s world. Nicola Towle, a teacher from the UK, tweeted, “Our school has replaced the analogue clock with a digital one in the hall for exams because pupils couldn’t use it to tell the time”​(Peoplemag).

Another user pointed out that digital clocks are easier to read, so why not make things simpler for students under stress?

A Larger Issue at Hand?

While the decision to switch clocks in exam halls may seem like a small change, it speaks to a bigger issue: are we losing certain basic skills because of our reliance on technology? Reading an analogue clock may seem outdated to some, but others see it as a fundamental skill that students should still know.

In the U.S., similar trends are emerging. A survey conducted in Oklahoma City in 2017 found that only 1 in 10 children between the ages of 6 and 12 owned a watch, and of those, just 1 in 5 could read an analogue one.

Experts like Caitlin Carnes from the Boys & Girls Club have commented that the digital shift is just part of growing up in today’s tech-dominated world. “Everyone’s so used to seeing digital clocks, whether on their phone, tablet, or computer, that they rarely have to read an analogue one anymore,” she said.

Should We Embrace the Digital World?

The debate over whether schools should be adapting to these changes or pushing back is ongoing. On one hand, digital clocks are a reflection of the world we live in now. Most adults rely on digital displays, whether on their phones, smartwatches, or computers. So why force students to learn a skill that many argue is becoming obsolete?

On the other hand, critics argue that just because we’re living in a digital age doesn’t mean we should abandon traditional skills. Being able to read an analogue clock is still useful in certain situations. For example, many public places, like train stations or town halls, still use analogue clocks. If students can’t read them, are we failing to prepare them for real-world situations?

Finding a Balance

It’s clear that the education system is facing new challenges in a world where technology dominates. Whether it’s learning to tell time on an analogue clock, writing in cursive, or doing math without a calculator, schools must strike a balance between adapting to the times and preserving important life skills. The decision to swap analogue clocks for digital ones is just one small example of this ongoing struggle.

For now, it seems many schools are leaning toward making things easier for students. They argue that it’s not about whether students should be able to read an analogue clock, but whether it’s necessary in today’s digital world. And when it comes to high-pressure situations like exams, removing that small barrier might make a big difference in helping students perform better.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t just about clocks; it’s about how much we should adapt to technology and how much we should push back to preserve traditional skills. The world is changing fast, and schools are caught in the middle. Will analogue clocks become a relic of the past? Only time will tell—whether you’re reading it on an analogue or digital clock!