We live in a digital age that is constantly evolving, which is why it’s so important that technology plays a big role in education. From interactive lessons and digital textbooks to virtual classrooms and research tools, the ‘typical’ class experience no longer exists as we find new ways to engage and teach. However, with the increasing reliance on screens for education comes a growing concern: excessive screen time. For many students, the boundaries between schoolwork, entertainment and social media have become blurred, leading to excessive screen time that can affect their health and academic performance. So, is it time for a digital detox? Here’s how we can help our students maintain a balanced relationship with technology.

Too much screen time among students has become a growing concern, thanks to the impact on both physical and mental health. Understanding what these consequences are is the first step in implementing a digital detox to combat them.

Physical health impacts include:

• Vision problems: Increased screen time is associated with a higher risk of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. A study published in JAMA Network Open revealed that each additional hour of daily screen use increases the risk by 21%.
• Sleep disruptions: Exposure to screens, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns. The blue light affects melatonin production, leading to difficulties in falling asleep and poorer sleep quality.
• Obesity risks: The more time kids spend in front of screens, the less time they spend outdoors and moving. Studies have found that the more screentime children have, the greater the risk of becoming overweight.

Mental health impacts include:

• Behavioural issues: Excessive screen use, particularly on social media, has been linked to manic symptoms in pre-teens, including “inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, rapid speech, racing thoughts and impulsivity — behaviours characteristic of manic episodes, a key feature of bipolar-spectrum disorders”.
• Academic challenges: High screen time is associated with reduced academic performance. Early screen exposure has been associated with lower cognitive abilities and academic performance in later years.
• Mental health concerns: It’s no secret that a decline in teen mental health has coincided with the rise of smartphones and social media. Parents and educators are increasingly advocating for policies to limit phone use during school hours to address these issues.

So, what can be done? With technology taking over nearly every aspect of our lives, the concept of a digital detox has emerged as an effective strategy to counteract the effects of excessive screen time on students. The idea is simple: to set periods where teens stay off digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets and computers, to reconnect with the world right in front of them.

Schools and education settings are one of the best places to achieve an effective detox, when teens are surrounded by friends and social activities. Here’s what can be achieved:​

• Reducing stress and anxiety: Continuous exposure to digital media can contribute to heightened stress levels. Studies have shown that taking breaks from screens can lead to improvements in mood and anxiety reduction. ​
• Improving academic performance: By limiting digital device usage, students may experience improved focus during lessons and better retention of information.​
• Promoting physical health: Extended periods of screen use encourage sedentary behaviour, which can lead to health issues such as obesity. Encouraging breaks from screens to engage in physical activity supports overall health.​
• Fostering social connections: Reducing screen time encourages face-to-face interactions among students, helping to build stronger social bonds.​

The importance of screen-free time is already been recognised in Australian schools. In 2023, Australia made a significant move by implementing a nationwide ban on mobile phones in classrooms, except the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). In 2020, Victoria was the first State to implement a school mobile phone ban. This was followed by Queensland in 2021, then in 2023 South Australia and New South Wales followed suit. The ban was introduced to improve learning outcomes and reduce distractions caused by excessive phone use.

The policy aims to have students store their phones during the school day, allowing them to carry them only for safety reasons or to contact parents before or after school hours. According to the NSW Government, the impact of this ban has been largely positive, with 81% of principals reporting improved learning and 87% noting fewer distractions in classrooms. 86% have shared that socialising among students has also improved, as it encourages face-to-face engagement rather than digital interactions.

​Promoting healthy screen time habits is essential for students' overall well-being and academic success. Here are practical strategies to help students manage their digital device usage effectively:​

• Establish clear screen time guidelines: Set personalised screen time limits that align with their age, responsibilities and educational needs.
• Encourage educational and purposeful screen use: Encouraging the use of learning apps and interactive games that promote problem-solving skills can make screen time more productive.
• Model healthy digital behaviour: Adults should demonstrate balanced screen habits by limiting their device usage, especially during family interactions. This modeling helps students understand the importance of moderation. ​
• Create screen-free zones and times: Designate specific areas and times in the home and school as screen-free to encourage other activities. For example, making bedrooms "no screen zones" and turning off devices during family meals can promote healthier habits.
• Promote physical activity and offline engagement: Encourage students to participate in physical activities and hobbies that do not involve screens.
• Utilise parental controls and monitoring tools: These tools can help ensure that digital interactions are appropriate and beneficial.

It’s also important to maintain an open dialogue with students about their online activities, discussing topics such as cyberbullying, online safety and the content they encounter. In an age dominated by digital devices, promoting healthy screen time habits is essential for students' mental, physical and academic well-being.