Education Guide 7.26.26 - Flipbook - Page 18
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| Sunday, July 26, 2026
Screen Time Policies in Schools
Finding the right balance to promote both academic engagement and healthy technology habits
By Claire Duarte, Contributing Writer
T
echnology has transformed education over the past decade. From
online research tools to interactive
learning platforms, digital resources
have become a regular part of the classroom
experience. At the same time, growing concerns about excessive screen use, social media
distractions and student mental health have
prompted schools to rethink how technology
should be used throughout the day.
The conversation surrounding screen time
in schools is no longer simply about whether
students should use technology. Instead, educators, parents and researchers are asking a
more nuanced question: What is the right balance?
Many schools recognize that technology
offers significant educational benefits. Digital
tools can personalize instruction, increase collaboration and provide access to resources that
would otherwise be unavailable. Students can
conduct research, create multimedia projects
and develop important digital literacy skills
that will serve them well in college and future
careers.
However, educators have also observed
challenges. Constant access to devices can
create distractions, reduce face-to-face interaction and make it more difficult for students
to maintain focus. Social media notifications,
messaging apps and online entertainment
compete for attention throughout the day.
As a result, schools across the country
are experimenting with different approaches.
Some have implemented phone-free policies during instructional hours. Others allow
phones in designated areas or at specific times.
Certain schools require devices to be stored
in lockers or secure pouches throughout the
school day.
The goal of these policies is not necessarily
to eliminate technology but to create intentional boundaries. Many educators report that
limiting phone use during class encourages
stronger engagement, more participation and
improved peer interaction.
Parents often have mixed feelings about
stricter policies. Some appreciate efforts to
reduce distractions and encourage in-person
communication. Others worry about maintaining contact with their children during
the day. Schools that successfully implement
technology policies typically communicate ex-
Photo: Adobe Stock
pectations clearly and explain the educational
reasoning behind them.
Technology use within classrooms presents
a separate consideration. Schools increasingly
focus on purposeful technology integration
rather than screen use for its own sake. Effective digital learning occurs when technology
enhances instruction, supports creativity or
improves access to information.
Experts frequently emphasize the importance of teaching digital citizenship alongside
technology use. Students benefit from learning
how to evaluate online information, manage
digital distractions, protect privacy and engage
respectfully online. These skills are becoming
increasingly important as young people spend
more time in digital environments.
Research also suggests that balance matters. Students need opportunities for movement, conversation, hands-on learning and
independent thinking. A healthy school day
often includes a combination of technology-based instruction and screen-free experiences.
Many schools are now prioritizing experiential learning opportunities that naturally
reduce screen dependence. Outdoor education, laboratory work, collaborative projects,
arts programs and service-learning initiatives
encourage students to engage directly with the
world around them.
At Garrison Forest School, educators
emphasize that technology should be used
intentionally rather than automatically. Shannon Schmidt, director of the Boyce Center
for Learning and Thriving, says technology
is “one of many tools teachers can use to enhance learning, but it is never a substitute for
excellent teaching or meaningful human interaction.” She explains that teachers begin with
the learning objective and determine whether
technology truly adds value to the experience.
The school also prioritizes collaboration, discussion, creativity, hands-on exploration and
outdoor play, reinforcing the idea that meaningful learning is defined not by the technology being used, but by the quality of thinking,
interaction and engagement taking place.
For families navigating screen time at
home, Schmidt encourages parents to focus
less on simply limiting devices and more on
creating opportunities for connection, independence and real-world experiences. Activities such as helping prepare meals, completing household responsibilities, spending time
outdoors or engaging in creative play can help
children build confidence, problem-solving
skills and resilience while creating healthy balance in their daily lives.
Ultimately, the most effective screen time
policies are those that align with a school’s
mission while supporting student learning and
well-being. Technology remains an important
educational tool, but schools increasingly recognize that students also benefit from opportunities to disconnect, collaborate face-to-face
and develop healthy habits that will serve them
throughout their lives. Finding the right balance may look different from one school to another, but the goal remains the same: helping
students thrive both online and offline.
