Helping Students Unplug: Beyond the Screen

As children grow, they’re naturally influenced by what they see and hear—especially through digital media like TV, the internet, and smart devices. These tools can support learning and offer meaningful educational content, but too much screen time can start to crowd out reading, play, exercise, and other important experiences. I know; I’m preaching to the choir! According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, elementary students (ages 5–10) average between 3.5 and 6 hours of daily screen time for entertainment—and that number increases with age. That’s a lot of time not spent playing, reading, imagining, creating, or connecting with friends and family. Spending long stretches on screens has also been linked to challenges with focus and learning. If you’ve been teaching for a while, the struggle for students to stay on task for more than 9 minutes at a time is hard to miss. And it’s not just kids—many adults find it just as difficult to unplug, even during time with loved ones. Can anyone else relate?! While technology can connect us and enhance learning, it can also interfere with sleep, creativity, and being fully present in our everyday lives.Screen-Free Week began in 1994 as TV Turn-Off Week, concerned about kids spending too much time in front of TV and watching commercials, becoming passive consumers. As technology has evolved, so have those concerns. Today, Screen-Free Week is a global movement, held the first week in May, to step away from entertainment screens and make space for more peace, connection, and fun. It encourages students to reflect on the benefits and challenges of technology—and to find a better life balance. I’ve seen this shift firsthand. My 21-year-old is never without her phone, but during a recent visit to her college apartment, I noticed a stack of library books by her bed. She realized how much she had missed reading and visited the local LIBRARY! With her roommates away, she suddenly had time—and yes, she admitted she was BORED! So she headed to a craft store, picked up some art supplies, and spent the day creating with clay and paint. Phone out of sight! This mom’s heart was bursting.That same transformation showed up in my classroom. Although my fourth graders were a bit resistant at first, they ended up truly enjoying their newfound time during Screen-Free Week. It didn’t take long before they were filling it with creative and meaningful activities. (Be sure to check out their reflections HERE on what they chose to do!)To introduce the concept of Screen-Free Week and to build student buy-in from the start, read some of these picture books to your class (before May). They are sure to elicit some great discussions and relatable situations! If you’re ready to give it a try, check out Screen-Free Week resources. You’ll find toolkits, posters, parent letters, and plenty of ideas to help you and your students get started. I'd love to know if you participate in Screen-Free Week with your class!Click on the blogs below for more terrific teaching ideas. You are invited to the Inlinkz link party! Click here to enter