won’t surprise those of us who have tried and failed to reign in screen time … and not just for our children!
In today’s digital world, screen time has become an integral part of children’s lives, particularly since COVID lockdowns when we ‘pivoted’ to online learning which meant our children were on screens for large parts of the day. They used them for home schooling, entertainment, connecting with family and friends, and to avoid boredom.

The way children engage with screens can have significant impacts on their physical, mental, and emotional development. While there are clear benefits to screen use – particularly in education – excessive or unmanaged screen time can lead to a variety of health issues. As a Kindergarten to Year 12 school, it’s essential for us to understand the positive and negative impacts of screen time and provide strategies to help parents and our students to achieve a healthy balance.

Positive impacts of screen time

When used appropriately, screen time offers several benefits. Here are some of the positive impacts:

Educational value

Many studies highlight the educational benefits of screen time, particularly when it’s used for interactive learning – digital platforms and apps can significantly enhance children’s learning, particularly in subjects such as science, mathematics, and languages. According to analysis by Khritish Swargiary digital learning can help develop skills in communications, collaboration, problem-solving and creativity. Screen-based learning tools can also provide a more interactive and engaging learning experience compared to traditional methods.

Skill development

Children’s cognitive development can be enhanced through certain types of screen time. According to the report Digital Device Usage and Childhood Cognitive Development: Exploring Effects on Cognitive Abilities, educational video games and apps that focus on problem-solving and critical thinking can improve children’s cognitive abilities and strategic thinking. Learning to code or design graphics on a computer can also foster creativity and digital literacy, essential skills in the modern workforce.

Social interaction

In the context of social connection, digital technology provides children the ability to stay in touch with friends and family members, especially in geographically separated contexts. Video calls and other online platforms can support social engagement, encouraging children to develop communication skills and maintain relationships when physical interaction isn’t possible. Use of these platforms however, should be monitored closely with appropriate limitations on who children converse with.

Exposure to diverse content

The internet provides children with access to a vast array of learning materials. Websites like ABC Education expose children to diverse content that promotes cultural awareness and intellectual curiosity. This exposure can encourage broader thinking and help children develop global perspectives.

Negative impacts of excessive screen time

While screen time has its benefits, overuse can lead to a range of negative outcomes. These include:

Physical health issues

Prolonged screen use has been linked to a variety of physical health concerns, particularly due to sedentary behaviour. Excessive screen time is strongly associated with childhood obesity – children who spend long hours in front of screens are more likely to engage in low levels of physical activity, leading to an increased risk of weight gain and related health problems. Furthermore, eye strain and posture-related issues are common among children who spend extended periods on digital devices.

Sleep disruptions

It is well known that excessive screen use, particularly before bedtime, can interfere with children’s sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by digital devices disrupts the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Children who engage in screen-based activities before bedtime tend to experience delayed sleep onset and poorer sleep quality. The Sleep Health Foundation recommends limiting interactive screen time before bedtime to support healthy sleep habits.

Mental health concerns

Overuse of screens, especially social media, has been shown to contribute to anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Research by Twenge and Campbell (2018) found that adolescents who spend excessive time on social media experience higher levels of mental distress. The constant pressure to compare themselves with others and the potential for cyberbullying can significantly impact self-esteem and contribute to emotional difficulties.

Impaired social skills

Extended screen time can interfere with the development of face-to-face social skills. Studies have shown that children who spent more time on interactive screens (gaming for example) showed reduced empathy and had difficulties in social interactions. This lack of face-to-face engagement can affect emotional intelligence and hinder the development of important interpersonal skills. It is worth noting that this does not apply to passive screens (such as television), which have the opposite effect.

Australian recommendations for maximum screen time

In response to these concerns, Australian health experts and organisations have developed guidelines to ensure that children’s screen time is balanced with other important activities, such as physical play, sleep, and in-person social interactions. The Australian Department of Health (2021) recommends the following:

Babies and toddlers under 2 years: Given the mounting evidence of potential negative relationships with children’s physical, language and socioemotional development, screen time is best avoided (other than video-chatting with family).

Children aged 2-5 years: Screen time should be limited to no more than one hour per day. The emphasis should be on high-quality, educational content, and whenever possible, screen time should involve co-viewing with an adult to facilitate understanding and interaction.

Children aged 5-12 years: Screen time should be limited to two hours per day. Parents are encouraged to ensure that screen time does not replace physical activity or sleep.

Adolescents aged 13-18 years: While there is no specific time limit for older children, screen use should be balanced with physical activity, sleep, and other offline activities. It is essential to ensure that screen use does not interfere with the child’s health or wellbeing.

7 Tips for managing screen time

To help children develop healthy screen habits, here are some practical strategies:

1. Set clear boundaries
   Establishing clear rules about when and how long children can use screens is crucial. Australian parenting website Rising Children suggests that parents create a family technology plan outlining rules for screen time, including which activities are allowed, where screens can be used, and when they must be put away. Consistency is key to managing screen time effectively.

2. Encourage physical activity
   To combat the sedentary effects of screen time, encourage at least 60 minutes of sport or physical activity per day. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that less than one quarter of children undertook the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day.

   Children who engage in physical activity for at least 60 minutes a day are more likely to experience better physical and mental health outcomes. It is important for cardiovascular, metabolic and musculoskeletal health, and plays a critical role in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Consider family walks, bike rides, or playing outdoor games to promote active engagement.

3. Create screen-free zones
   Establish areas in the home, such as the dining room or bedrooms, where screens are not allowed. This helps reinforce family interactions and prevents screens from interfering with essential activities like eating, sleeping, and studying.
4. Model healthy screen habits
   Children often mirror the behaviour of adults, so it’s important to set an example. Limit your own screen time during family activities and prioritise face-to-face interactions. Screen-free zones and times—such as during meals or family gatherings—helps children learn healthy screen habits.
5. Monitor content
   Ensure that the content children access is age-appropriate and aligns with family values. Tools like parental controls or monitoring apps (eg Google Family Link) can help filter inappropriate content. The Australian eSafety Commissioner also provides great resources. These resources enable parents to help ensure children are using screens for educational purposes or other positive activities.
6. Encourage offline hobbies
   Help children discover interests that don’t require screens, such as reading, drawing, sports, dance or music. Purvesh Sharma states that by engaging in hobbies, children can unlock their creativity, develop social skills, boost their confidence, improve concentration, enhance physical health, and foster emotional intelligence.
7. Implement screen-free days
   Consider implementing screen-free days where family members spend quality time together without screens. This could include activities like playing board games, hiking, or doing arts and crafts. Such days can strengthen family bonds and promote healthier interactions.

Managing screen time effectively is crucial for children’s overall development. While screens offer educational and social opportunities, it’s important to balance screen use with physical activity, sleep, and offline interactions. By following Australian guidelines and implementing strategies like setting clear boundaries and encouraging alternative activities, parents and educators can help children to benefit from technology without compromising their health and wellbeing. A healthy balance of screen time can help children thrive in both their digital and offline worlds.

At All Saints Grammar we take pride in our pastoral care and wellbeing programs designed to ensure students can thrive and effectively balance the demands of school from PreK to Year 12. To learn more about All Saints Grammar, and how our excellent co-education might benefit your child, download our prospectus.