St. Paul’s School is a reference in the use of technology for education, and it has been recognised as an Apple Distinguished School and a Microsoft Showcase School. While technology is part of the day-to-day of our pupils, the school also sees the importance of finding a balance when it comes to screen time to avoid any harm to their wellbeing and learning.
The St. Paul’s Foundation understands that technology must be an ally to education. Knowing that, we asked St. Paul’s Deputy Head, Mrs Zeba Clarke, to share a few tips on how parents and children can manage their digital lives effectively and make the most out of technology in a productive and healthy way.
Roadmap to a Digital Detox
by Mrs Zeba Clarke
First of all, we need to be honest with ourselves – and we can use our devices to help us log just how much time we are spending on a particular website or platform. If it is more than 2 hours of non-work related screen time, that is probably too much.
We know that more than a couple of hours of screen time is the most we should be spending watching TV, gaming on our laptops, or following pictures of puppies on Instagram. Most phones and laptops now have ways of helping us block the internet so that we can avoid procrastination and keep away from the puppies.
Every child should do a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity every day: no phones needed! This could be a walk, practicing hoops, dancing or doing some yoga, jumping on a trampoline, or even juggling.
We can have no-phone zones at home: the best way to cut down screen time is to make sure that all devices – TVs, computers, tablets, and phones never go into a bedroom. Specialised e-book readers with no blue light and limited access to books only are fine, but otherwise, bedrooms should be kept device-free.
Another no-device place should be the dinner table – and it’s good to make sure that meal times are family times where children and parents have a chance to chat and catch up with each other.
Finally, a great way of helping children cut down screen time is to play games with them – both traditional games like cards or board games, but also video games. Generally, they play so much better than we do, the game is often over before you know it!