The use of digital devices in lessons is worrying many parents in Britain, who fear the effects screen time could have on their children’s health.
A survey published by the organization SafeScreens found that 47% of parents see the use of these devices in classrooms as a potential risk to children’s eyesight and posture, while 36% fear that prolonged screen time could affect their sleep quality.
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More than 150 healthcare professionals have also voiced these concerns. General practitioners, pediatricians and speech therapists have written to British Education Secretary Lucy Powell and Health Secretary Yvette Cooper, warning of a “crisis” in children’s physical health and development that they link to technology used during lessons.
The signatories question whether there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate the safety and educational benefits of technological tools used in schools. They also express concern about plans to introduce AI-powered teaching tools into the education of up to 450,000 children from low-income families starting next year.
British schools spend approximately £900 million annually on educational technology, a figure expected to rise in the future.
The Department for Education is drawing up guidance on screen time for children over the age of five, with publication expected before Christmas.
However, the British government has clarified that it does not plan blanket restrictions on technology. It says digital devices are already part of children’s daily lives and can support learning, encourage creativity and provide assistance for pupils with special educational needs.
At the same time, ministers have presented stricter rules for mobile phones on school premises. Under the plans, pupils could be required to leave their devices in designated lockers or hand them over to teachers during lessons.
The measures aim to prevent classroom distractions. Currently, only 16% of secondary school pupils say rules on phone use are followed at all times.
