Supporting Healthy Screen Use and Child Development

You may have noticed an even greater focus in the media recently on children on using mobile phones and the impact of screen time and social media exposure. As a school, I wanted to share how we use technology to support learning at St. Mark’s and some current observations.

Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Learning and Behaviour

Research shows that excessive screen use can have a number of negative impacts on young children. This includes, but is not limited to, a reduced attention span, increased anxiety and difficulty concentrating for sustained periods. Research shows that this directly affects learning in the classroom.

We are also seeing an increase in behavioural concerns, including impulsive and overly physical behaviour. This can often be linked to fast-paced games and programmes, such as those with rapid scene changes, high-intensity action or constant reward loops.

Exposure to Inappropriate Content and Online Risks

Some children are being exposed to age-inappropriate language, themes and behaviours through games, videos and social media. This exposure can directly influence how children speak to one another and manage their emotions. In addition to this, there is a significant risk of online bullying, harassment and exposure to sexualised content when children are online without close supervision.

Reading, Imagination and Engagement with Books

From an educational perspective, we are seeing a noticeable decline in children’s engagement with physical books. Reading for pleasure is vital for developing imagination, vocabulary, empathy and resilience. Reduced reading often goes hand in hand with a decline in imaginative play. Many children are no longer engaging in role play, storytelling or creative games in the way we would typically expect at their age.

Fine Motor Development and Hands-On Learning

We are also seeing concerns with fine motor development. Some children struggle to write for sustained periods due to a lack of finger strength and control. Skills such as handwriting, cutting, drawing and practical classroom tasks require well-developed fine motor control, which is best built through hands-on, play-based activities rather than screen-based ones.

How Families Can Support Reduced Screen Time

To support your child’s development and help reduce screen time, you may wish to:

• Limit screen time and ensure content is age-appropriate

• Consider signing up to, and taking part in, Smartphone Free Childhood (see the link in our weekly newsletter)

• Talk with your child about what they watch, rather than leaving them unsupervised

• Encourage regular reading of physical books or comics

• Provide opportunities for imaginative role play, especially for younger children

• Play board games and card games together

• Encourage sport, outdoor play and physical activity

• Use resources such as Lego, construction toys, playdough, drawing and craft activities to build fine motor strength

• Talk together at the dinner table without screens to build communication skills and emotional resilience

Screen Use and Homework at School

As a school, whilst we have screen-based resources in place, such as Chromebooks, tablets and classroom smart screens, the teachers and I are proactively working together to reduce and manage screen time where possible.

We will continue to keep online homework to a minimum and promote non screen-based activities such as reading. Our screen-based homework is limited to short periods and is used to help identify any gaps in learning, which can then be supported in school by the class teacher. The following expectations are:

• Spelling Shed: 5–10 minutes, 3 times per week. Teachers can provide printed copies, on request, if parents prefer

• Times Tables Rock Stars: 5 minutes, 5 times per week. Teachers can provide printed copies, on request, if parents prefer

• Learning by Questions (LbQ) for Years 5 and 6: approximately 20 minutes in total, spread across the week

Working Together for Children’s Wellbeing

We very much understand that screen use is unavoidable in this day and age, at school, at home and in everyday life. Screens can be incredibly useful tools for learning, homework, communication and creativity and we value the positive role they can play. At the same time, we know how hard it can be to find a healthy balance, especially with the demands of busy family life. By working together in a supportive and non-judgemental way, we can help our children use screens responsibly and ensure their wellbeing remains at the centre of everything we do.

While technology can have a place in children’s lives, it should not replace conversation, play, reading, creativity and real-world experiences. These are essential foundations for learning, wellbeing and healthy social development.

Further Information

If you would like further information, please watch this short video from Health Professionals for Safer Screens and click on the links to the government articles below:

Our Kids, Their Screens: The Evidence

Source: Health Professionals for Safer Screens: YouTube

UK Parliament: Screen time: impacts on education and wellbeing

NHS – Children's Health Guidance on Screen Time

We truly value our strong partnership with our families and want to work together to support each child’s wellbeing, development and learning, helping every child to reach their potential.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any concerns, suggestions or comments on how we can continue to work and grow together.

With our best wishes,

Mrs. Mansfield