In today’s increasingly digital world, children are surrounded by computers, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches and TVs. Teachers and parents know they should limit screen time — but how much is appropriate, and what counts as screen time when schoolwork often requires devices?
It is almost impossible to avoid screens in all grade levels, starting as young as preschool. Programs like Eastern Washington University’s online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education prepare educators to address these challenges, equipping them with strategies to balance technology use and support healthy development in young learners.
Side Effects of Too Much Screen Time
With screens now deeply embedded in children’s daily routines, recent research shows that excessive screen exposure is linked to a range of developmental and health concerns. High amounts of daily screen time have been associated with poorer sleep quality, reduced physical activity and higher risk of anxiety and depressive symptoms in school‑aged children. Studies also suggest that increased screen use correlates with higher rates of obesity and behavioral difficulties, likely due to sedentary habits and disrupted routines, underscoring the importance of balanced technology use and proactive monitoring.
Spending too much time with digital devices has been linked to a variety of behavioral and developmental challenges in children, including attention problems, difficulty learning and conduct issues. These findings reinforce the importance of keeping an eye on how much time kids spend with screens, both at home and in school, to support healthy growth and development.
Recommendations for Screen Time
Children’s screen use is now a routine part of daily life, making it important to maintain a balanced digital diet that supports healthy development. Managing screen time, especially limiting non-educational use and encouraging adult-supervised media, can help reduce risks to sleep, attention and social-emotional skills in young children.
Caregivers and educators should set clear limits and create screen-free times and spaces so that digital media does not replace physical activity, play and face-to-face interaction. Focusing on quality content and structured routines allows children to benefit from technology while minimizing potential negative effects on their development.
Educators play a key role in guiding children to use technology in ways that support healthy development. Eastern Washington University’s online M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education helps teachers put practical strategies into action, balancing screen time with social, emotional and cognitive growth in the classroom.
Learn more about Eastern Washington University’s online Master of Education – Early Childhood Education program.
