Limiting Screen Time This Summer
Impacts of Too Much Screen Time
As a lower elementary teacher I've recently noticed a growing number of students with regular access to phones and iPads, and I am seeing some concerning patterns. Many of these children are struggling with focus, emotional regulation, and social interactions in the classroom. While technology can be a helpful tool when used thoughtfully, phones and social media can interfere with healthy brain development and important social skills.
In this age group, face-to-face play, movement, and real-world connection are far more valuable than time spent on screens. I want to partner with you to ensure our students are thriving both academically and emotionally. Below, I’ve outlined why early exposure to phones and social media can be harmful. I encourage you to create phone guidelines to support your child’s development.
Underdeveloped Emotional Regulation and Social Skills - Excessive screen time in young children has been linked to difficulties in managing emotions and developing social skills. Studies indicate that children with higher screen exposure tend to exhibit poorer social interactions and emotional regulation.
Interferes Brain Development and Cognitive Function - Early childhood is a critical period for brain development. Research has shown that high screen usage can affect brain growth, particularly in areas related to language and cognitive control. For instance, increased screen time has been associated with reduced development in white matter, which is crucial for language and literacy skills.
Overstimulation and Screen Dependency - The design of many apps and digital content aims to capture attention, which can lead to overstimulation and dependency. Phones and apps are designed to be addictive. Social Media videos average between 30 seconds and 3 minutes long. This can lead to screen dependency and difficulty focusing on real-world tasks and engaging in imaginative play, essential for their development.
Disrupts Sleep - Blue light from screens interferes with melatonin production, leading to sleep problems—which impacts mood, growth, and cognitive function. Staying up late using their devices, leading to a delay in bedtime. This results in less overall sleep time, which can accumulate over time and cause sleep deprivation.
Delayed Social Skills - Real-life play teaches empathy, sharing, and communication. If a child is absorbed in a screen, they miss out on essential face-to-face interactions.
Exposure to Inappropriate Content - Even with parental controls, it’s difficult to fully filter content. Kids can be exposed to violence, scary images, or even harmful advertising.
Recommendations for Parents and Educators
Limit Screen Time - Follow guidelines from health organizations, which recommend minimal to no screen time for children under 2 and limited, supervised screen time for older children.
Encourage Real-World Play - Promote activities that involve physical movement, creativity, and social interaction. Dramatic play stations, dancing, rhyming songs and charades are a favorite for lower elementary students. Upper elementary students like scavenger hunts, trashketball, or graffiti walls.
Establish Screen-Free Zones - Designate areas and times, such as during meals and before bedtime, where screens are not allowed. Create a spot in the house on a shelf or a bin where electronics go during screen free times.
Model Healthy Behavior - Demonstrate balanced screen use to set an example for children. I know we like our Facebook and TikTok, but we have to lead by example.
Engage in Co-Viewing - When screen time occurs, sit next to and participate with the child to provide context and understanding of what they are accessing.
Face-to-Face Tutoring - I offer Play-Based Learning for all grade levels. Giving children real-world, interactive learning experiences. My private tutoring incorporates engaging hands-on activities and games.
Implementing these strategies can help mitigate the negative impacts of screen time and support the healthy development of children both academically and emotionally.
Resources:
https://www.skillpointtherapy.com/impact-of-screen-time/
https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/screen-time/screen-time-sleep
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10903530/
https://www.teachingexpertise.com/k-5/movement-activities-for-elementary-students/
