Time spent with screens takes away from time interacting directly with peers, teachers, and parents. It impacts a multitude of behaviors. Children don’t learn how to sit still without some form of entertainment. They don’t develop strong peer communication skills and have trouble interacting with teachers and tutors. Moreover, students who spend too much time on digital devices lack enough sleep and arrive to school bleary-eyed and unprepared for the day’s lessons.

Approximately 95% of principals surveyed responded that students spend too much time on devices outside of school.

Social Media Impacts How Children View Future Aspirations

A survey that asked nine to 14 year old students about their future aspirations showed heavy consumers of social media and TV tend to have individualist goals such as the desire to become famous. Conversely, youths who spent more time involved in team sports had collectivist aspirations such as helping others in need.

Measuring the impact of technology is more than just counting the hours. It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure their children are engaging with age appropriate content. Rather than assume kids are simply passing the time engaged in a mindless digital activity, parents need to participate with their children and watch a video or play a game together. Understand what kids are doing, watching, and reading. Parents should take the time to talk with their children about what they watched or experienced.