Reclaiming Focus: Addressing the Impact of Screen Time at Home and at School

Nearly two decades after the widespread adoption of the smartphone, research has made clear what many observers—especially education professionals—know intuitively: Excessive screen time is a critical challenge affecting student achievement, behavior, and social development.  

A growing number of districts are attempting to meet this challenge, at least in part, with phone bans during school hours. While this approach may yield some benefits, school systems can benefit from a more nuanced overall approach to technology. Regardless of their position on phone bans, school and district leaders can help mitigate the impact of excessive screen time by both implementing strategic protocols in the classroom and working with parents and guardians to implement healthy technology boundaries at home.  

Current Trends and Their Neurobiological Consequences 

Teens now spend an average of eight hours a day on screens, a two-hour increase over the last decade. For children ages 8–12, the figure is approximately 5½ hours daily. YouTube and TikTok alone are responsible for 3.4 hours of daily screen time among teenagers, according to one survey.  

What does all this time spent staring at screens do to the brain? An MRI study of preteens showed a clear pattern of reduced brain connectivity patterns in high screen users, including decreased connectivity in brain regions critical for reading and cognition (Horowitz-Kraus & Hutton, 2018).  

Key Areas of Impact 

Excessive screen time is linked to several areas of concern to educators, including: 

• Academic performance. Higher screen usage is correlated with lower achievement across subjects, particularly reading and math. Moreover, students whose exposure to screens and devices began early (12–24 months of age) have a much greater likelihood of language delays. 
• Classroom behavior. As literacy expert Maryanne Wolf has observed, today’s students are “learning to be distracted”—a reflection of how constant digital engagement can reduce attention spans, create behavioral challenges during class time, and hinder deep, sustained thinking. 
• Socialization. Excessive screen time may be associated with decreased emotional understanding, impaired social skill development, anxiety, and lower self-esteem. 

Strategic Solutions: 3 Ways to Start 

Teachers and administrators have a key role to play in sharing screen time management strategies with the school community—including directly with students’ families. Successful outreach could include the following:  

1. Share Evidence-Based Guidelines 
   Tactfully engage with families about screen time limits endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics:  
1. Under 18 months: No screen time except video chatting 
2. 18-24 months: Only high-quality educational content with parents 
3. Ages 2-5: Maximum one hour daily 
4. Ages 5+: Maximum two hours daily with adult engagement 
5. For preteens and teenagers, continually reinforce the importance of balancing screen time with physical activity and healthy habits 
2. Create Parent Partnerships 
   Leverage video, newsletters, and PTO meetings to provide families with simple training and practical tools for creating healthy technology boundaries. 
3. Promote Balance 
   In school as well as at home, encourage outdoor “green time” activities to counteract screen effects, foster positive social interaction, and increase self-efficacy. Prioritize both academic and recreational activities that help strengthen sustained attention and build reading stamina over time. 

By working together as partners around intentional screen time practices, administrators, teachers, and families can do more than improve academic outcomes—they can lay the foundation for students’ lifelong well-being, confidence, and success.