Technology Resources

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1. Co-watch whenever possible. If children are going to have screen time, the best thing you can do is to watch the show or game with them to help them understand what they’re seeing. Comment on things you notice, ask questions about what is happening, if someone on a show is singing a song, sing along with your child. Engage with them and repeat concepts after the show is over so they’re more likely to retain that information.

2. Choose media wisely. Look to organizations like Common Sense Media for reviews about age-appropriate apps, games, and programs to guide you in making the best choices for your children.

3. Keep bedtime, mealtime, and family time screen-free. Don’t use screens in the car except for long trips, and consider setting a curfew or an agreed-upon time when your family shuts off all screens. Balancing online and offline time is extremely important.

4. Limit your own phone use. Kids will do what they see their parents doing. At a young age, their parent(s) is the most important person in their life, so they will model whatever behavior they are seeing. If they see that you’re behind a screen all day every day, then they’ll see that it’s acceptable and will want to do the same.

5. Emphasize the big three: sleep, healthy nutrition, and exercise. All three are essential to optimal brain growth and development and health and wellness for children and adults alike. And excessive screen time can impact all three. Children who spend more time in front of screens have been shown to eat more fast food and less fruits and vegetables and get less sleep and exercise. Therefore, it is very important to incorporate healthy lifestyle choices as part of the daily routine, as well as limiting screen time.

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Enhances Learning and Memory 

Sleep is essential for consolidating memories and processing information. During sleep, the brain reorganizes and integrates new information, which is crucial for learning. Studies have shown that students who get adequate sleep perform better on tests and have better recall of information compared to those who are sleep-deprived.

Boosts Cognitive Function

Adequate sleep enhances cognitive functions such as attention, problem-solving, and decision-making. These skills are vital for academic success, as they enable students to grasp complex concepts, engage in critical thinking, and make informed decisions.

Improves Mood and Mental Health

Sleep has a profound impact on mood and mental health. Students who get enough sleep are less likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, which can hinder academic performance. Good sleep hygiene promotes emotional stability, resilience, and overall well-being.

The Consequences of Sleep Deprivation

Increased Risk of Health Issues

Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to a range of health problems, including weakened immune function, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. For students, this means more sick days and less energy to participate in academic and extracurricular activities.

Decreased Safety

Sleep-deprived students are at a higher risk of accidents and injuries, both on and off campus. For example, drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Ensuring students get enough sleep can help keep them safe.

How does screen time impact a child’s ability to learn?

Studies have shown that children under 2 learn less from a video than when learning from another person, and it appears that although children will watch the TV screen by 6 months, understanding the content does not generally occur until after age 2. It’s not that they won’t be captivated by what’s on the screen, but they’re not learning from it.

Language development expands rapidly between 1½ to 3 years of age, and studies have shown that children learn language best when engaging and interacting with adults who are talking and playing with them. There is also some evidence that children who watch a lot of television during the early elementary school years perform less well on reading tests and may show deficits in attention.