Balancing Screen Time and Student Wellness

Student mental health is in crisis, and excessive screen time is a significant factor. Here are four ways to help students find and maintain a healthy balance with technology.

• By Leslie DiBianco
• 11/08/24

Technology connects students to a world of information and engages them in ways that previous generations could only dream about. But too much of a good thing can be dangerous. There's a downside to excessive technology use and/or use of technology in unhealthy ways and needless to say, it is taking a significant toll on student well-being.

Anxiety and depression have reached unprecedented levels among today's youth, and this problem is only getting worse. In a 2024 survey of school counselors and psychologists, 46% said they believe student mental health has declined in the last year — and they cite excessive social media use as one of the top three factors for this problem.

According to a federal survey of teen health, roughly one in five youth ages 12 to 17 report feeling symptoms of anxiety or depression — and many teens aren't getting the support they need. Girls were more than twice as likely as boys to report feelings of anxiety (31% vs. 12%) or depression (25% vs. 10%). Rates were highest among LGBTQ+ youth, with 43% feeling anxious and 37% experiencing depression. And those percentages are just those who are open to sharing; real numbers are likely much higher.

How students use technology plays a key role in shaping this trend. "Specific patterns of engagement with social media appear to be associated with poor mental health outcomes in youth," researchers note.

For instance, smartphone use at night has been linked to sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality, especially among teens. Passively monitoring social media channels without engaging in any way — not even liking others' content — can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and low self-confidence. When students see content that uses social media filters to alter facial features and retouch body parts, they get a distorted view of reality and can develop unrealistic body image expectations, resulting in poor self-esteem.

How often students are on their devices also matters. Excessive screen time has been linked to obesity, developmental delays, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, poor academic performance, and decreased attention spans and executive functioning.

ACT for Youth research shows that more than half of adolescents receive over 200 notifications from their smartphones each day, with 23% arriving during school hours and 5% during late-night hours on school nights — potentially amplifying these negative effects.

Learning time on a digital device should be distinguished from a child's recreational screen time. Experts suggest that young people limit recreational screen use to no more than two hours per day. Yet, a report from Common Sense Media found that students ages 8-12 spend about five and a half hours per day in front of their screens, on average, while the average daily screen time for teens is more than eight-and-a-half hours.

For perspective, adults also spend a significant amount of time on screens, with U.S. adults averaging seven hours per day, highlighting the need for us to model balanced screen use. As the adults in students' lives, modeling appropriate screen habits reinforces healthy digital boundaries and encourages responsible usage.

Even students themselves recognize they have a problem. A Pew Research Center survey from March 2024 reveals that more than a third of teens overall — and 44% of girls — think they're on their phones too much. In a separate survey from Common Sense Media, 50% of teens admitted to being addicted to their mobile devices.

What can educators do to address this problem? Here are four ways to help students find and maintain a healthy balance with technology.

1) Set reasonable limits on technology use at school

Although ed tech leaders understand the value of using technology for instruction, a growing number of school systems are banning or restricting students' use of personal cellphones during the school day, citing distractions that interfere with learning.

Proponents of these rules argue that curbing cell phone use leads to better concentration, enhanced learning outcomes, and stronger social interactions among students. This practice can also improve wellness by giving students a break from texting and social media.

By giving students tools other than their phones for communicating and accessing information during class time, such as school-issued laptops, tablets, or other digital devices for learning, administrators can control the apps on these devices to ensure they're used for educational purposes only. In this way, schools can restrict students' use of personal apps and devices without limiting technology's potential for learning. Schools can also teach digital literacy and help transition this knowledge across all devices.

If you're going to restrict students' use of cell phones and other personal devices during the school day, make sure you ask for input from all stakeholder groups — including teachers, parents, and even students — to look at the issue from all sides and gain buy-in and support.

Develop a thoughtful policy that defines how students can, and can't, use personal technologies on campus before, during, and after school hours. For instance, can students use their phones outside of class? What about during an emergency? Consider how you'll enforce this policy: Will you collect students' phones at the door? Will you remind them after breaks? What are the penalties for noncompliance? Should teachers implement refreshers if usage is on the rise? And clearly communicate all new rules and procedures to students and their families.

2) Help students learn to unplug on their own

Restricting students' cell phone use during school hours can reduce screen time, but it's just one step in what should be a comprehensive approach to helping them develop healthier digital habits.

Limiting or prohibiting the use of phones at school does nothing to address the dependency that many students have on social media and other technologies outside of school. Students need help in setting boundaries, and they must learn how to use technology safely and responsibly.

For instance, students should learn the importance of moderation and that too much screen time can be harmful for them. They should be taught how to unplug for long periods, especially at night, and find enjoyment in activities other than social media. They should be supported in their development of important skills such as how to exercise self-discipline, manage their time effectively, and practice mindfulness.

Common Sense Media offers free lessons and videos to support the digital well-being of students in elementary through high school. The organization's lessons include information on how technology and social media use affect our brains, as well as advice on striking a healthy balance in using these tools.

Teaching students these skills is important. But educators also must lead by example, demonstrating these habits in their own lives if they expect students to do the same.

Another practice that's catching on in schools is the creation of "chill zones," calming sensory rooms, and other tech-free areas designed to promote wellness. These spaces, as well as outdoor learning spaces that aim to connect students with nature, can be valuable resources for helping students learn how to be mindful, relax, unplug, and center themselves.

3) Teach students how to be responsible digital citizens

Many schools already teach students the importance of good digital citizenship and how to engage with others ethically and responsibly online, including the dangers of sexting and the damaging effects of cyberbullying.

While these are all valuable lessons, they don't go far enough. Responsible digital citizenship continues to take on new meanings as technology evolves. In today's world, this concept includes thinking carefully about the content you post, how it might be perceived, and what effects it might have for different audiences. This skill is simply an extension of how to practice empathy and be mindful of others, applied for the digital age.

In addition, students should learn how to critically evaluate the content they see online. Is it credible? Does it come from a knowledgeable and reputable source? What is the source's point of view? What motives does this person have in posting the content? Is it an accurate portrayal of reality?

These critical evaluation skills will serve students well not only when they're searching for information, but also as they're reading people's posts on social media. Instead of feeling jealous that they're missing out or discouraged because they can't live up to impossibly high standards, students should be taught that what they see online is actually a carefully curated and manufactured version of reality.

4) Leverage technology to support student well-being

While there are times when we all need to unplug, technology can also help connect students with mindfulness activities, mental health counseling, and other resources to support their wellbeing.

Although school-based mental health programs have been shown to have a significant impact, especially in underserved communities, many schools struggle to implement them consistently as a result of limited staffing or other resources. In the survey of school mental health professionals, nearly a third (32%) said they lacked confidence their school or district provides adequate mental health services for all students.

Telehealth programs offer a strategic advantage for schools by providing flexible, scalable access to licensed professionals who can deliver online therapy for students in need. By integrating live, online providers, schools not only increase access for students but also help prevent clinician burnout, ensuring that on-site staff aren't overextended and can focus on the students who need them most.

Students can also benefit from apps and programs that supplement professional mental health support. For instance, meditation apps can help students cope with feelings of stress and anxiety. Students can also find assistance in online support groups and by connecting with peers online to combat feelings of isolation.

Technology is an important tool for learning and connecting. But too much screen time isn't healthy for anyone. The key is to ensure that screen time during school hours is as productive as possible by focusing students' attention on learning. This can be done by:

• Equipping students with tools and knowledge to consume digital media responsibly.
• Encouraging students to unplug on their own outside of school.
• Supporting students in recognizing when to seek additional mental health resources when needed.