This is related to potentially detrimental effects associated with spending too much time on iPads, cellphones, and laptops. Since smartphones gained popularity in 2012, more students have gained access to online content at even younger ages. Now, with students using technology in the classroom, it's more important than ever to learn how screen time affects developing brains.
Understanding the Effects
For preschool-aged children, TV-based and other screen time can have a strongly negative formative effect. Research suggests that screen time has a particularly adverse effect on preschool-aged children and younger. Early overexposure may increase the likelihood of overuse later in life. On the other hand, healthy routines established in childhood help students maintain a healthy attitude with regard to limiting screen time when they're older.
Most screen time involves entertainment rather than educational content. This trend is likely to increase rather than decrease over time. Catholic preschools can educate parents and students to set limits on screen time. Encouraging physical activity and socialization can help students become more well-rounded and less focused on TV, social media, and other screen time activities.
Maintaining Academic Excellence Requires Addressing Excessive Screen Time
Currently, the national SAT average in private schools versus all schools varies by 175 points, with private school students averaging 1235 and all students averaging 1060. Private Catholic schools that want to maintain this higher standard must address activities that compete with students' attention to their studies. That includes addressing excessive screen time.
As research highlights negative impacts on developing brains, educators and parents must join the discussion of how to reverse the trend. Internet addiction is a real danger for children with unrestricted screen time. For Catholic schools, the issue becomes even more critical. Since a Catholic education includes the formation of the soul as well as the mind, the negative impacts have an even deeper meaning.
Catholic Schools Must Strike a Balance
Students typically retain information better when they write it as opposed to typing it. This is just one of the observations that underscore the need to blend traditional learning methodologies with new technology. Ultimately, educational institutions must find the right balance between providing students with technological skills without sacrificing a quality education.
Minimizing screen time in the classroom can have extremely positive effects on children, which is why many of the top institutions of early childhood education are prioritizing it. To learn more about providing your child an excellent Catholic education free from the harmful effects of screens, contact Regina Pacis Academy today.
