Nowadays, it’s easy to see kids hooked on their phones, laptops, or computers. They spend hours and hours scrolling through social media, playing mobile games, or watching Netflix online. These so-called digital natives are growing up in the online realm.
But here’s the biggest question: How does screen time affect children’s learning and health?
This page covers the correlation between children and screen time in terms of education and well-being. As a teacher, learn how to help regulate the students’ screen time and take advantage of it for learning.
Ready? Let’s dive right in!
The Impact of Screen Time on Education and Well-being
Did you know? Screen time has increased to over 50% worldwide among children since the pandemic. It has become prevalent during lockdown—even after the outbreak. However, it has had a significant impact on their learning and health.
The UNESCO’s research on Screen Time and Learner Well-being gives a clear definition:
Screen Time: The time spent on screen-based media devices, including TV and both mobile and stationary digital devices of different sizes, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Learner Well-Being: Both the learning outcomes (cognitive) and health outcomes (mental such as social and emotional development and physical health).
There are different types of screen time. In fact, Australian researchers identified various categories, such as social, educational, passive, interactive, and more. However, the type of screen time determines whether it has positive or negative effects on children.
As you can see, screen time usually offers communication and connection, leisure and entertainment, as well as learning and education. However, it also poses harm to physical health and psychological well-being.
Excessive screen time harms health and overall well-being
Screen time is constant and prevalent in today’s digital landscape. However, excessive exposure to digital screens can be detrimental, especially among children.
Credible research warns: Screen time addiction can impact child development. It might harm their cognitive, linguistic, and social-emotional growth. That’s why it raises serious public health concerns for children.
But here’s the problem: A recent survey saw a 52% increase in screen time between 2020 and 2022. The amount of time kids spend on screens has increased over the last decades (from nine hours to 15 hours per week).
Here’s how excessive screen time can affect the children’s overall health and well-being:
- Physical inactivity: It’s easy to see kids hooked on their mobile or computer devices. They spend hours sitting down while glued to their digital screens. Warning: Lack of physical activity can lead to underlying health issues, including obesity.
- Sleep deprivation: Some kids tend to compromise their slumber as they are super addicted to screen time. Think of those playing computer games till the wee hours as a perfect example. They wake up with a lack of sleep, unable to focus and concentrate at school.
- Lack of eating: Many children will choose screen time over dining sessions. You probably see younger kids using mobile devices while eating or being fed by parents. Unfortunately, poor nutrition due to screen time can compromise their overall health and well-being.
- Social awkwardness: Kids who have grown up with excessive screen time tend to be socially awkward. As they spend more time on screens, they don’t know how to mingle, engage, and play with other children. Such exposure can have negative repercussions later in life!
- Mental health issues: Excessive screen time can impair the kids’ mental health and psychological well-being. For one, their intense focus on screens can deteriorate their cognitive abilities. Also, the lack of physical activity can lead to stress, depression, and anxiety.
Grant Aldrich, Founder of Online Degree, emphasizes the detrimental effects of excessive screen time on children’s health and well-being.
Aldrich says, “Excessive screen time is something we can’t ignore. It’s easy to overlook the impact, but when kids spend more time in front of screens than being active or social, it can affect their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We need to strike a balance to ensure technology enhances, rather than harms, their development.”
Educational screen time provides learning opportunities
It’s no surprise how children’s screen time has increased in the past few years. Why? Almost all kids aged 12 and above already own a mobile phone, and even younger ones have access to mobile devices and the Internet. The proof is in the numbers:
But what better way to maximize screen time than to use it for education? In fact, several online tools are available for playing, learning, and teaching. As a teacher, here’s how you can turn children’s screen time into learning opportunities:
- Educational resources: The online realm is a goldmine of valuable information and practical tools. Your students can leverage screen time not only for doing homework but also for learning as much as they can. However, as a teacher, you can use these resources to teach your class.
- Knowledge acquisition: The Internet offers a plethora of information on various subjects. Your students can use screen time to acquire or enhance knowledge. For example, you can help kids learn to speak Attic Greek by providing online tools and resources for language learning.
- Skills development: For teachers, the web is a perfect avenue for helping kids develop soft and hard skills. Think of honing communication skills, improving EQ, and acquiring leadership skills. Consider teaching technical skills like content creation, graphic designing, and video editing.
- Remote learning: Education doesn’t only happen in the four walls of a classroom; Children can actually learn in the comfort of their own homes. As a teacher, you can leverage screen time by providing interactive digital learning, like online classes, hybrid setups, or gaming in education.
- Digital literacy: In this digital era, online competency can give kids a competitive edge at school. Regular screen time exposes them to the ins and outs of the web, whether leveraging AI for homework, communicating with teachers on social media, or taking gamified courses online.
Reyansh Mestry, Head of Marketing at TopSource Worldwide, highlights the value of screen time for educational purposes.
Mestry explains, “When used thoughtfully, screen time can open up incredible learning opportunities for kids. From developing digital literacy to accessing a wealth of educational resources, it’s all about balance. With the right tools and guidance, technology can enhance their education, not hinder it.
Best Practices for Regulating Screen Time for Health and Learning
Earlier, you understand the impact of screen time on children’s education and well-being. Now, it’s time to help your students control their time on screens and take advantage of it for learning.
Help control the children’s screen time
As a teacher, it’s crucial to balance screen time with students. However, this practice doesn’t only happen in your classroom but also at home. So, it’s best to partner with parents to help them control their kids’ screen time. Here’s how:
- Orient students. Start by teaching your students about the importance of screen time regulation. Be sure to highlight the pros and cons for informed decisions. Finally, promote the responsible use of mobile phones and the Internet among kids, no matter how young they are.
- Limit screen time. It’s better not to permit students to have screen time during class. If you do, only allow this for educational purposes. More importantly, work with their parents in limiting their kids’ screen time by suggesting the World Health Organization or WHO recommendations:
- Children 3-4 years of age should:
- Spend at least 180 minutes in a variety of physical activities at any intensity, of which 60 minutes, of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity, spread throughout the day; more is better.
- Not be restrained for more than 1 hour at a time (e.g., prams/strollers) or sit for extended periods of time.
- Sedentary screen time should be no more than 1 hour; less is better. When sedentary, engaging in reading and storytelling with a caregiver is encouraged.
- Have 10-13 hours of good quality sleep, which may include a nap, with regular sleep and wake-up times.
- Children 3-4 years of age should:
- Monitor screen time. What better way to rise above this than to advise parents to track their kids’ time spent on digital screens? Let them understand that you’re like their children’s second parents. So, you always have their best interest at heart!
Dr. Mo Ziaei, Cornea & Vision Correction Specialist at Re:Vision, suggests regulating children’s screen time.
However, Ziaei believes that “Helping kids manage their screen time is a shared responsibility between teachers and parents. By setting clear boundaries and promoting healthy habits, we can ensure children enjoy the benefits of technology without compromising their well-being.”
Take advantage of screen time for learning
It’s best to capitalize on children’s screen time for educational purposes. Learn from Robert Weaver’s classroom philosophy on technology and student learning for them to become good digital citizens. This philosophy involves teaching about Internet safety, security, etiquette, and cyberbullying.
But as a teacher, here’s how you can use this screen time for students’ learning:
- Offer online learning. The benefits of online learning are manifold. Think of its utmost flexibility, option or choice, student engagement, feedback loop, and time-saving. Consider providing this form of learning since it works best for kids.
- Leverage digital tools. As a mentor, unleashing the power of technology can make you more efficient, productive, and effective. Consider employing online educational resources and top tech tools for teachers. All these can help you teach your students better, faster, and easier!
- Engage on social media. Social media is where the younger generation lives and breathes. Make the most of these to communicate and interact with your students. For example, create a group chat for your class to make announcements, give assignments, and build good relationships with them.
Sabas Lin, CTO at Knowee, recommends leveraging digital tools and technologies to enhance education.
Lin claims, “Screen time doesn’t have to be a distraction—it can be a powerful tool for learning. By integrating technology thoughtfully, we can create engaging, flexible, and interactive learning experiences that benefit students and help them become responsible digital citizens.”
There’s no denying the regular screen time among young children. While it provides learning opportunities, it harms their overall health. That’s why the key here is to strike a balance between going online and offline!
About the Author
Emma Becker is a psychologist and professional counselor with over 20 years of experience supporting students and parents with mental health issues and learning strategies. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology. Certified in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emma specializes in stress and anxiety management. Emma’s approach combines evidence-based practices and mindfulness to foster self-awareness and resilience in her clients.
