Issue #15: Student Screen Time
For many reasons, I do believe that educators should limit the screen time that students are able to utilize. First, students have access to screen time in almost every place they go. Students may use computers, laptops, television, iPads, iPhones, music devices, and cell phones at school, home, the library, family and friends' homes, doctor's offices, stores, and more. Students may watch a show, play a game, listen to a song, or do just about anything they please. School should be a time for social interaction when students work together by communicating verbally and non-verbally. Students should spend time collaborating on projects in groups, helping one another by editing a paper, or even participating in discussions as they are face-to-face.
Also, an educator should be weary of how much screen time is used at school as he/she may not know how much screen time a student receives at home. It just may happen to be that, upon arriving home at the end of the day, a student uses frequent screen time after school all the way until bed time. Then, this student spends time using screens at school through lessons, individual and group work time, and sometimes for testing purposes. A student may spend the entire day fixed on a screen of some sort!
Lastly, heavy use of screen time is not healthy for a child of any age, as they are growing and need to keep their minds and bodies active in order for appropriate development. Where else will students be able to spend a majority of the day with same age peers as they experience, learn, and grow? Students need to become strong communicators, interact with peers and adults for social growth, and experience emotions, all which can stem from in-person interactions. These skills are ones in which students will need for their future education and career. Overall, I believe it is best if educators limit screen time during the school day.
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