The Impacts of Screen Time on K-12 Students
A brief look at the literature
Over a six-week period, our research team conducted a comprehensive review of literature concerning the effects of screen time on child development, exploring both its benefits and risks. Our objective was to offer valuable insights into the potential impact of prolonged screen exposure on various aspects of cognitive, socio-emotional, and physical development in children.
This report presents evidence-based research findings and recommendations pertaining to the impacts of screen time on K-12 students, both within educational settings and at home. By synthesizing insights from scholarly literature, we aim to inform stakeholders about the complex interplay between screen time and child development, offering guidance for promoting healthy and productive screen use among children.
Download the full report, or read the key takeaways below.
Research and recommendations on screen time use for students
The increased use of screen time among children and its consequences
In the ever-evolving digital era, technology has become integrated into everyday aspects of life, including K-12 education. Gone are the days of students using strictly pencil and paper to complete assignments, and for educators to teach from predominately hardcover textbooks. This integration of technology into the classroom poses both opportunities for learning as well as some challenges. For purposes of this report, “screen time” refers to time spent with any screen, including smartphones, tablets, television, video games, computers, or wearable technology.
As we will discuss in the sections below, research outlines that there are both positive and negative cognitive outcomes related to screen time. While screens can enhance education and learning, excessive screen exposure and multitasking with other media have been linked to impaired executive functioning and academic performance. A consensus of the literature confirms that prolonged screen time poses potential harm, particularly to younger children under two years old.
Unraveling the influence of digital devices on child development
How moderate educational screen time can be beneficial
Recent research endeavors have been exploring the intricate relationship between screen time and child development, acknowledging the ubiquity of digital devices in modern society. Researchers are seeking to unravel the nuanced impacts of prolonged screen exposure on various facets of child development. The increase of screen-based activities, ranging from educational applications to recreational content, has prompted an urgency to discern the potential implications on children’s cognitive abilities, social interactions, and overall well-being.
Fortunately for educators, current literature suggests that of the types of screen time, digital media for educational purposes is better for students than recreational screen time. Educators must carefully consider the possible advantages of increased digital device utilization in contrast to the potential drawbacks associated with extended screen exposure (described in the previous section).
Impacts of screen time on cognitive development
A 2019 study demonstrated that the nature of screen time plays a pivotal role in determining its impact. This study involved 4,013 children, and categorized screen time into various types, such as social, educational, passive, and interactive, among others. According to the findings, educational screen time yields the most benefits, positively influencing children’s persistence and educational outcomes without significant adverse effects on health.
On the other hand, interactive screen time, encompassing activities like playing video games, demonstrates positive educational outcomes but is linked to poorer health (e.g., less physical activity). Recreational screen time, such as those indulging in prolonged streaming of TV shows, was shown to be the least healthy form of screen time.
Impacts of screen time on physical development
Screen time affects more than just cognitive abilities, even posing challenges to children’s development of dexterity. A study published in the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal explored the association between how much time kids spend on screens and how it relates to their fine motor skills, sensory processing skills, and play skills as reported by parents.
The findings suggest that playing with toys and being creative in play, like using different objects for multiple different purposes, might help lessen the impact of screen time on visual-motor integration (VMI) skills. Having children incorporate the physical aspect of play rather than being sedentary throughout their screen time activities seems to be beneficial for their growth.
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Visual-Motor Integration (VMI)
is the ability to coordinate visual information with physical movement. This skill is essential for writing, drawing, cutting with scissors, and catching or hitting a ball.
Cultivating a technological balance in schools
Resources to manage and teach media literacy
After considering the pros and cons of screen time use for K-12 students, it is important to remember that many habits a student may have related to technology begin at home. A research study on promoting healthy screen use in school-aged children explored the cognitive, psychosocial, and physical impacts of digital media on school-aged children and adolescents, emphasizing the significance of routines, context, and activities.
The authors’ recommendations for parents revolve around four guiding principles:
- Promoting healthy management
- Fostering purposeful screen engagement
- Exhibiting positive role modeling
- Maintaining a balanced and informed approach to monitoring screen time and associated behaviors
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