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Finding the ideal screen time for learners in K-12 is more important than ever in today’s technology-driven world. While digital devices make learning more interactive and personalized, balancing screen time is critical to protect learners’ mental and physical health. This blog explores how to make the most of screen time in classrooms, the latest research on its effects, strategies for creating a healthy balance and tools that enhance screen time in the classroom.
The digital age has transformed how students learn, communicate and play. While technology offers incredible opportunities for education and connection, it also raises concerns about the impact of excessive screen time.
Traditional guidelines suggest that children and teens get no more than two hours of screen time per day. However, because learners consistently use technology in everyday life, these recommendations are increasingly difficult to follow. So what is the ideal screen time for learners in today’s digital world?
This blog post explores screen time for K-12 students, examining its effects on learning and health. We’ll share the latest research and expert recommendations to help you find a healthy balance for learners in your school.
Kids today learn on devices in their classroom, scroll on their phones and look at screens at home to watch YouTube or play games. In fact, a 2022 study found that screen time had increased over 50% for kids 12-18 since the pandemic. There has to be a balance between using devices for entertainment, leveraging technology for education and ensuring kids have time for offline activities that promote physical health, social interaction and creativity.
According to research, “screen time addiction can harm children’s cognitive, linguistic, and social-emotional growth.”
Too much screen time can also lead to:
When it comes to learning, though, educational technology can have a positive effect and provide a more equitable experience for students. When educators incorporate technology in meaningful ways, it can make learning more engaging and help students meet their academic goals.
For example, in a math classroom, apps like Desmos allow students to explore complex graphing concepts interactively, helping them visualize equations and functions in real-time. In language arts, the Chrome Read & Write extension can provide support to learners who text read aloud.
In science, virtual lab simulations like PhET Interactive Simulations let students safely experiment with chemical reactions or physics principles, even if their school lacks access to a physical lab. Similarly, in history, resources like Google Earth’s historical map overlays or interactive timelines from platforms like ChronoZoom allow students to explore historical events and geographic changes, fostering a deeper understanding of the past.
What is a healthy screen time for learners, and how much is too much screen time? Previously, pediatricians recommended the following for school-aged children and teens:
The newest guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics are much more flexible and allow parents and educators to structure a learner’s day in the most effective way possible.
Parents and teachers are encouraged to allow screen time in moderation since it’s unavoidable in today’s technology-rich world. There’s no longer a strict number of hours recommended for learners to engage with digital devices.
Now it’s more important that learners take breaks and put their mental and physical health first, while engaging with technology as needed. It’s also important to teach them moderation and control when it comes to screens, as technology can become addicting.
While strict screen time limits by age are no longer the primary focus, it’s still important to consider screen time recommendations by age and developmental stage. This means recognizing that a teenager’s needs and abilities to self-regulate may differ from those of a younger child.
Technology has a lot of positive effects on children, such as providing educational content and a way to channel learners’ creativity. That being said, learners are still at risk. They can be exposed to inappropriate content or experience side effects from engaging with screens too often. As caregivers for children, we all need to protect them by monitoring their computer use, setting up protective filters and encouraging them to take frequent breaks from screens.
Make sure learners are engaging with activities that don’t rely strictly on technology. When possible, have learners communicate in groups to limit screen time and encourage face-to-face communication. Also, when trying to solve a problem, have students write their process in a notebook before answering a question online. This will give their eyes a chance to rest after looking at a screen for a while.
Although the general guideline no longer includes a strict time limit, it’s still a good idea to have some limits on screen time. If a learner spent an hour studying or doing homework online, encourage them to do something physical and engaging. This is better than switching over to another device, like their smartphone or TV.
Switching to multiple digital devices without a proper break can create overstimulation and cause digital overload. Most learners can’t handle unlimited access to screens without being taught moderation first, so it’s crucial to explain the importance of balance.
Teach learners moderation inside and outside of the classroom consistently. Over time they’ll naturally remember to take breaks from devices. Educators, schools and parents should also be in communication to provide learners with consistency and a better understanding of the harmful effects of digital overload.
When using digital devices in class, it’s important for learners to experience both versatility and interaction. Edtech tools, like Goose Chase, allow students to engage with screens while also participating in fun, interactive, team-building activities. This app allows parents or teachers to facilitate scavenger hunts where teams of students compete to find items assigned to them in the physical world. This can be used in so many ways to get learners engaged and up and active.
By combining the use of technology and activity, students can get the most out of their learning experience. Apps like this keep students moving and allow them to take their eyes off their screens. It also encourages face-to-face communication rather than online communication, and it’s just great fun!
Students today need structure and guidance to succeed in digital learning environments, whether in the classroom or at home. Hāpara’s classroom management solution empowers educators to turn screen time into meaningful learning experiences. With Hāpara’s screen monitoring tool, teachers can see exactly what learners are working on in real time. They can guide their browsing and send private messages to keep them focused without interrupting the flow of the lesson.
By integrating seamlessly with Google Classroom and Google Workspace for Education, Hāpara simplifies workflows, making it easier for learners to stay organized and for teachers to provide personalized feedback. This ensures that screen time in the classroom is productive. With Hāpara, teachers can go beyond managing distractions by fostering digital citizenship, supporting executive functioning skills and creating a safe, engaging learning environment.
List-based network web filtering simply doesn’t do a good enough job of protecting our children from inappropriate content. Some estimates put the number of new websites launched globally at 380 per minute.
Dynamic real-time web filtering is the only way to be confident that ever-changing online content is filtered in real-time as learners access it. It’s also far easier for school technology teams to manage to ensure learners are protected.
When engaging with digital devices, children are being exposed to digital blue light, which is given off by screens. Blue light waves are among the shortest, highest-energy wavelengths in the visible light spectrum. Since they’re shorter, these high energy visible (HEV) wavelengths flicker more easily than longer, weaker wavelengths.
This kind of flickering creates a glare that can reduce visual contrast and affect sharpness and clarity. That’s the reason it’s used for digital screens. However, the flickering and glaring can lead to eyestrain, headaches and physical and mental fatigue. These symptoms add to digital overload.
Learners can be protected from blue light exposure. Mainly, they should take regular breaks from their screens and interact with natural light and physical elements. This may not always be possible, though, as students engage with screens at multiple points during the day. In this case, they would benefit from wearing blue light glasses.
The blue light glasses block the digital blue light from penetrating learners’ eyes while engaging with screens. They use an anti-reflective coating, which filters out HEV wavelengths. This helps further protect them from the symptoms of digital overload, such as eyestrain, headaches, and fatigue. It also counteracts the increased use of digital devices for learning.
The amount of time students spend looking at screens should not be the main concern with using technology for learning. It’s more about what they are doing while looking at their screens and how that screen time increases engagement and helps them meet their goals.
Students should use devices to enhance their learning workflow, but digital learning should not all be screen-based. Let’s help our learners dive deeper into concepts, exploring their world and creating knowledge. With the right tools, your classrooms can deliver learning experiences. Students won’t be locked on their screens when educators are dedicated to engaging them in the classroom.
