Screen time and technology: the benefits for education

Screens are all around us. From phones to computers to TVs, technology has become a huge part of our day-to-day lives, and that includes education. 

While too much screen time can have its downsides, when managed well, technology can be a powerful learning tool for children.

Some facts about screen time

Learning can be fun and engaging with the help of technology. Educational games, apps, and online resources can open up a world of possibilities for curious young minds. 

Let's explore some facts about how screen time and digital tools can benefit your child's education:

• Studies have shown that educational games and apps can help children improve their reading, maths, and problem-solving skills, as well as help with revision.

• Online resources provide kids with access to a world of information and learning materials on almost any topic.

• Technology can give children the platform to be creative. They can make their own videos, music, art, and more.

• Digital tools can help children connect with classmates, working together on projects even when they're not in the same room.

Using a weekly screen time report

One handy way to manage screen time is to use a weekly report. Most smartphones and computers have built-in features that track how you use your devices. Here's how to make a report work for you and your kids:

1. Check the report: See which apps or websites your child uses the most.

2. Talk it out: Ask your child about what they enjoy doing online. This helps you understand their tech habits.

3. Make a plan: Together, discuss if any time should be spent differently on various games, apps, or sites.

Setting a screen time limit

Limits are important for balanced screen use. Here's why, and how you can use them with your child:

Why set limits?

• Sleep: Too much screen time, especially before bed, can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and overall poorer sleep quality.

• Focus: Excessive screen time can make it harder to concentrate in school. The constant stimulation from screens can make it difficult to focus on tasks that require sustained attention, like listening to a lesson or completing homework.

• Activity: Children who spend a lot of time in front of screens are less likely to get the physical activity they need. This can lead to health problems like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Working together

Involve your child in setting limits. This helps them feel responsible and in control. Here's how to make it a collaborative effort:

• Talk about goals: Discuss what you both want to achieve with screen time limits. Maybe your child wants to improve their grades or spend more time playing outside.

• Find a balance: Consider how much screen time is needed for schoolwork and how much is for leisure activities.

• Make choices: Let your child choose how they'd like to spend their allotted screen time. This gives them a sense of ownership over the limits.

Be flexible

Some days require more tech than others for schoolwork. Be willing to adjust limits when needed. Here are some examples:

• Project deadlines: If your child has a big project due, they might need extra screen time to research or collaborate with classmates online.

• Rainy days: On rainy days when outdoor activities are limited, you might be more lenient with screen time.

• Special occasions: There's no harm in letting your child have some extra screen time on special occasions, like holidays or weekends. But don’t forget to spend some time outside too!

Screen time statistics

Numbers can tell a powerful story, and screen time is no exception. Let's take a peek at some interesting statistics to understand how much time kids spend using technology, and how it can impact their learning.

• On average, kids aged 8-12 spend about 4-6 hours per day in front of screens. (Source: Common Sense Media)

• Interactive apps and games can be more educational for young children than passively watching videos. (Source: American Academy of Pediatrics)

• Children who use online tools for collaboration and communication tend to have better social skills. (Source: Smarty Ears)

Remember, technology is a tool, and like any tool, it's how it's used that matters. By taking an active role in your child's screen time and setting healthy limits, you can unlock the educational benefits of the digital world.

Online tuition: use screen time to transform your child’s learning

While it’s important to keep track of your child’s screen time and ensure they’re not going overboard, they can also use their screen time to an educational advantage!

At Explore Learning we’ve harnessed that advantage with our online tuition. With access to our smart learning tool and expert tutors from anywhere, your child can turn their screen time into learning time! From as little as one hour of tuition a week, your child could drastically improve their confidence in maths and English from the comfort of your home! 

Want to see how we can help turn your child’s screen time into learning time? Book a free trial to see how we do it!