It’s no secret that screen time has skyrocketed in recent years. From the moment children wake up to the time they go to bed, they are glued to devices—whether it’s watching YouTube, scrolling through social media, or playing video games. While schools incorporate technology into learning, are they doing enough to teach students responsible screen usage? The answer is, unfortunately, no.
Leah, a Year 5 student, had firsthand experience with this growing issue. Before joining Fairview International School, she attended a school running the Cambridge programme. While the school had tablets, interactive whiteboards, and plenty of educational software, there was no emphasis on teaching students how to manage their screen time. Leah, like many of her classmates, was spending hours on her device at school and at home, often without understanding the consequences. Her academic performance was fine, but outside of the classroom, she became more dependent on her tablet and found it hard to disconnect, leading to sleepless nights and an inability to focus.
Leah’s story is not unique. Many schools focus on integrating technology into learning but overlook the importance of teaching students how to use it responsibly. As screen time continues to rise, so do the risks.
The Rise of Screen Time: A Widespread Issue
Since the pandemic, students’ screen time has skyrocketed. 96.5% of students have seen their screen time increase, with most spending over 4 hours per day on devices compared to pre-pandemic averages (Zeeko, 2023). Before the pandemic, the majority of students spent between 1-4 hours on screens, but that has since shifted, with 72.5% of students now spending more than 4 hours per day on their devices (Zeeko, 2023).
At Leah’s previous school, technology was widely available but there was no structured strategy on responsible usage. This lack of guidance led to students, including Leah, developing poor habits. Without a clear understanding of how to manage their screen time, students turned to devices for entertainment, socialization, and even as a crutch to avoid boredom.
The Adverse Effects of Screen Time
The consequences of excessive screen time for students are well-documented. According to research, 30.3% of students experience solely adverse effects from increased screen use, such as diminished focus, increased anxiety, and poor sleep patterns (Zeeko, 2023). Studies also show that 46.4% of school-aged children now spend an average of more than 2 hours per day on screens, a significant increase from the 41.3% reported before 2020 (Xiang et al., 2023).
Leah’s overreliance on her device led to several behavioral and emotional issues. She struggled to focus on her schoolwork and often felt anxious when she couldn’t access her tablet. Too much screen time can lead to behavioral problems like oppositional defiant disorder, which can manifest in middle schoolers as irritability and difficulty following instructions (Tenney School, 2024). Leah’s parents noticed her becoming more agitated and withdrawn, which prompted them to look for a school that could provide a more balanced approach to technology.
The Role of Schools in Screen Time Education
The increase in screen time isn’t just a problem that can be solved at home. Schools have a critical role to play in teaching students how to manage their digital habits. As Xiang et al. point out, higher parental self-efficacy in limiting screen time is associated with less screen time in children, but schools also need to step up by providing structured guidance and education on the responsible use of devices (Xiang et al., 2023).
Leah’s former school, which ran the Cambridge programme, integrated technology into learning without much thought to its long-term effects. While devices were readily available, there was no strategy in place to teach students about screen time limits, device usage after school hours, or the importance of balancing technology with offline activities.
At Fairview International School, Leah’s experience took a turn for the better. Fairview follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, which emphasizes not only academic excellence but also personal growth, including responsible digital citizenship. Leah’s teachers at Fairview introduced strategies to help her manage her screen time. They taught her about the importance of taking regular breaks, limiting screen use before bed, and engaging in offline activities to improve her overall well-being.
Responsible Use of Devices: What Fairview Teaches
At Fairview, students are taught about responsible screen use from a young age. The school understands that while technology is an essential part of modern education, it must be balanced with healthy habits. Fairview’s educators work closely with students like Leah to help them set boundaries with their devices.
Leah’s teachers used devices to enhance learning, not to replace traditional educational methods altogether. Research shows that while interactive media can foster early literacy and help children retain information, it’s crucial that this is done in moderation (Pearson International Schools, 2024). Fairview provides just that—balance.
Moreover, the IB curriculum fosters a holistic view of education, encouraging students to take responsibility for their actions, including how they manage their screen time. Leah’s journey at Fairview helped her develop better habits. She learned that it’s okay to use devices for learning and entertainment, but it’s equally important to disconnect, go outside, and engage in face-to-face interactions.
The Impact of Screen Time on Mental Health
One of the most significant risks of excessive screen time is its impact on mental health. Watching excessive amounts of YouTube or playing too many video games can increase the risk of students developing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (Tenney School, 2024). Leah had become so accustomed to having her tablet by her side that it began affecting her ability to sleep and concentrate, key indicators of screen addiction.
Fairview’s approach focuses on preventing these issues before they start. By teaching students about digital well-being and guiding them on how to use devices responsibly, the school helps children like Leah avoid the pitfalls of excessive screen time. This, in turn, improves their mental health and overall school performance.
Parents’ Role in Managing Screen Time
While schools play a crucial role, parents must also take responsibility for managing their children’s screen time. However, many parents struggle to set clear boundaries around device use. Higher parental self-efficacy—or the confidence parents have in their ability to limit screen time—is directly linked to reduced screen use in children (Xiang et al., 2023).
Leah’s parents learned from Fairview about the importance of setting screen-free times, especially before bed, to improve Leah’s sleep and overall well-being. They also discovered that providing alternatives, such as outdoor activities or reading, helped Leah disconnect from her device without feeling deprived.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Screen Time
Leah’s story highlights the hidden crisis in our current education system’s approach to screen time. Without proper education and guidance, children can easily become addicted to their devices, with serious consequences for their mental health and development. Schools like Fairview International School are taking steps to address this issue by teaching students how to manage their screen time responsibly, but more schools need to follow suit.
Parents, too, must play a role in guiding their children to develop healthy screen habits. With a collaborative effort between schools and families, we can ensure that students like Leah grow up equipped with the skills they need to navigate the digital world responsibly, without falling into the traps of overuse and addiction.
MLA Citations
“Screen Time in Schools – Zeeko.” Zeeko, 26 Sept. 2023, https://zeeko.ie/screentime-in-schools/.
Xiang, Meng, et al. “Screen Time Among School-Aged Children of Aged 6–14.” Global Health Research and Policy, vol. 8, no. 1, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1186/s41256-023-00297-z.
“Screen Time in School: What Are the Downsides?” The Tenney School, 26 July 2024, https://tenneyschool.com/screen-time-school-downsides/.
“The Big Debate: Should Schools Avoid Screentime for Kids?” Pearson International Schools, 25 Apr. 2024, https://blog.pearsoninternationalschools.com/the-big-debate-should-schools-avoid-screentime-for-kids/.
“Tips for Managing Too Much Screen Time at School – Brain Balance.” Brain Balance Centers, 2023, https://www.brainbalancecenters.com/blog/tips-managing-much-screen-time-school.
