In today’s world, students spend a lot of time on screens. Whether it’s for schoolwork, social media, or entertainment, digital devices are a big part of their daily lives. With online classes and the popularity of smartphones, students are often glued to screens for various reasons. This increased screen time has sparked concerns about how it might affect their studies and well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of screen time on concentration and share tips on how students can effectively reduce screen time for better focus.
Global Health Research and Policy is an open-access multidisciplinary journal that aims to provide a platform for high-quality research focusing on the enhancement of regional and global health and proposing solutions for health equity. They recently published an article that describes screen time studies and how excessive screen time has become a common behavior among children and adolescents around the world. The average screen time of schoolchildren aged 6 to 14 was 2.77 hours per day, and 46.4% of them had an average screen time of ≥ 2 hours per day. Children are exposed to electronic products at a younger age and their screen time is increasing. Too much screen time can have negative effects on children’s physical and mental health.
Negative Impacts of Excessive Screen Time on Students
The rapidly changing visuals and interactions of the screen lead to a reduced ability to focus on a single task for an extended period. These digital distractions can divert attention away from academic tasks, making it challenging for individuals to maintain concentration on their studies. Screens emit blue light, which has been associated with disruptions in sleep quality, and inadequate rest can contribute to difficulties in maintaining focus and concentration during waking hours. Prolonged exposure to screens results in eyestrain, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Several studies suggest a correlation between excessive screen time and lower academic performance.
How to Reduce Screen Time for Students
Establish Screen Time Guidelines for Students
Establish reasonable screen time limits, taking into account factors such as age and school workload.
Encourage Outdoor Play to Reduce Screen Time for Students
Promote physical activities and outdoor play. Make them engage in sports, ride bikes, and play in the park.
Provide Alternative Activities to Reduce Screen Time for Students
Offer a variety of non-screen activities like board games, puzzles, arts and crafts, and reading books. Designate specific times of the day or week as screen-free. Explain to kids the potential effects of excessive screen time on their health, sleep, and academic performance.
Encourage Social Interactions Without Screens to Reduce Screen Time for Students
Encourage social interactions that don’t rely on screens for communication. By implementing these strategies, we can help students develop lifelong habits that promote a balanced and active lifestyle.
Integrating Screen-Free Breaks with Tech-Enhanced Learning to Reduce Screen Time for Students
Creating a balance between leveraging technology for learning and ensuring screen-free periods is essential for optimizing both educational outcomes and overall well-being.
Set specific limits on daily screen exposure to ensure that technology use remains intentional and focused.
Integrate designated screen-free time blocks into daily and weekly schedules.
Choose educational apps that align with learning objectives and contribute meaningfully to the educational experience.
Creating a schedule that incorporates dedicated screen-free study periods is crucial. Screen-free study periods minimize the distractions that electronic devices can bring. This helps students to concentrate better on their academic tasks, leading to improved focus and efficiency. It also provides an opportunity for eyes and minds to rest, leading to increased attention and better retention of information. This also improves the quality of sleep. It encourages students to develop effective time management skills, prioritize tasks, and create a structured study routine that can be beneficial throughout their academic journey. Parents and teachers can discuss with kids the potential impacts of excessive screen time on their health, sleep, and academic performance, empowering them to make informed and mindful choices.
Reference: Global Health Research and Policy
By focusing on how to reduce screen time for students, this blog aims to provide practical solutions to help students achieve better focus and overall well-being.
