Young people are spending more time on digital devices than ever before. Nearly every teenager in the country now has access to a smartphone (95%). About half of them report being online “almost constantly,” a 24% increase from a decade ago, according to 2024 Pew Research Center data.
The alarm bells are sounding. Bestselling books warn parents about the extreme risks of screen time on developing minds, such as The Anxious Generation by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, who points out that parents are “overprotecting children in the real world and underprotecting them online.” Research suggests a more thoughtful approach is needed.
Focusing On Quality Over Quantity
Recent research paints a more detailed picture of screen time’s impact. According to a Wall Street Journal analysis, time spent on school-issued devices peaks in sixth grade at 35% of instructional time, and from first to 12th grade, students spend 20% of their average instructional day on devices.
Rather than focusing solely on reduction, we should emphasize how technology is used. Some teachers are finding innovative ways to use technology that enhances learning—from interactive quizzes and creative writing exercises to virtual global exploration and collaborative projects. These transform traditional assignments into engaging multimedia experiences where students create, rather than just consume, content.
In the tech-driven schools I founded, “good screen time” is fundamental to how students learn. Our education model uses adaptive AI for personalized lessons for every student but limits device time to two hours daily on our edtech platforms. The remaining day focuses on hands-on learning and collaborative projects, recognizing that technology should enhance, not replace, traditional education.
