Over the last three years, technology in the classroom has become essential to students’ education during the COVID-19 pandemic. While there are many benefits of one-to-one technology in schools, likely one of the biggest concerns is the effects of screen time on students. How can schools, especially those that deploy devices, mitigate the risks of screen time? Today, we’ll review how schools can adopt five tips for reducing screen time.
First, let’s learn more about screen time and its effects.
The History of Screen Time
Screen time is the amount of time spent using a device with a screen such as a smartphone, computer, television, or video game console. Screen time is a relatively new term, largely born from the popularization of the smartphone in 2007.
The concept has received significant research, chiefly correlating the effects between digital media use and physical and mental health in both children and adults. Since screen time, and its associated technology, are relatively new, the long-term effects are still unknown.
The pandemic has caused screen time to soar, with the average screen time increasing in children by 52%. This increase should be considered with two caveats:
- Part of this rise can be attributed to online learning
- In the same span of time, a 32% decrease in children’s engagement in moderate to vigorous physical activity has been found
It’s also important to note that not all screen time is created equal. Time spent discussing a book with classmates online is not the same as playing a video game alone in the basement.
How Much is Too Much?
The average American spends a little over 7 hours a day on screens. The Centers for Disease Control reports the daily usage for the following age groups:
- Ages 8-10: 6 hours, with 4 hours spent watching television
- Ages 11-14: 9 hours, with 5 hours spent watching television
- Ages 15-18: 7.5 hours per day, with 4.5 hours spent watching television
Meanwhile, here are guidelines for recommended screen time by age:
- Under 2 years: 0 hours screen time, unless video chatting with family/friends
- 2-5 years old: 1 hour screen time max, co-viewing with a parent or sibling
- 5-17 years old: 2 hours screen time max, excluding school/homework
Effects of Screen Time
Excessive screen time can lead to both physical and mental health issues, such as obesity, depression, and anxiety as well as behavioral issues. It also impacts social skills and developmental goals, with impatience in real-world interactions being cited as one of its biggest consequences. Studies have also revealed language delays in children 0-4 years old when exposed to screens 3 hours or more per day.
It can also disrupt sleep patterns, which can harm children physically and impact their school performance.
Five Tips for Reducing Screen Time
How can your school keep students’ screen time as low as possible inside and outside the classroom? Here are five tips for reducing screen time to aid staff, teachers, and parents.
1. Inform Students and Families
Knowledge is power—make sure parents or guardians and students know the daily recommended usage as well as the risks of excessive screen time. Don’t be shy about sharing it and share it more than once. Information can be shared via the school newsletter, an email or letter to parents, your school’s website, and your school’s social pages. Keep students in the know by displaying posters and addressing it in the classroom.
2. Track Students’ Screen Time
In collaboration with their teachers, have students track their screen time in the classroom and at home. Make goals for students to reduce their screen time and challenge educators to limit screen usage in class by choosing hands-on activities and lessons.
3. Designate Time or Areas as Screen-Free Zones
Monitor usage of cell phones, tablets, and gaming devices during school hours. Establish school rules about non-school-related screen usage. Designate areas or times that are screen free. For example, recess or lunch could be screen-free zones.
4. Celebrate Screen-Free Week
Screen-Free Week, which occurs during the first week of May annually, is an invitation to play, explore, and rediscover the joys of life beyond screens. Here are some ideas to engage students:
- Invite students to sign pledge cards
- Ask parents to sign pledge cards
- Pass out activity logs to help students set goals and track activities during the week
- Share tips and ideas to reduce screen time in class
5. Start With Yourself
Lead by example! Challenge yourself to limit your own screen time. Engage with students, staff, and teachers instead of scrolling your phone. Read a book at lunch. Often, the most powerful example is modeling the desired behavior yourself.
AGiRepair supports 6,000+ 1:1 school districts nationwide in device repair, protection, buyback, parts, chargers, accessories, and provisioning services. Learn how we can help your district by contacting us today.
Sources:
“Kids’ Screen Time: How Much is Too Much?” by OSF Healthcare
“Limit Screen Time” by Action for Healthy Kids
“6 Tips to Reduce Children’s Screen Time” by Mayo Clinic
