Increased Screen Time Linked to Declining Test Scores in Children

A recent study from Canada reveals a concerning correlation between increased screen time and lower academic performance among elementary school students. Conducted by researchers from the Hospital for Sick Children and St. Michael’s Hospital, the findings suggest that children who engage in excessive screen use before the age of eight may score significantly lower on standardized tests, specifically in reading and mathematics.

The comprehensive study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on July 4, 2024, tracked over 3,000 children in Ontario over a 15-year period, from 2008 to 2023. Parents reported their children’s screen time, which included television, video games, and use of handheld devices. The researchers then compared this data to the children’s scores on the EQAO standardized tests used in grades 3 and 6.

Dr. Catherine Birken, a pediatrician and senior scientist at Sick Kids and the study’s lead author, highlighted a significant relationship between screen time and academic performance. “For each additional hour of screen use, there was approximately a 10 percent lower odds of meeting standards in both reading and mathematics in Grade 3 and mathematics in Grade 6,” she explained.

Screen Time’s Impact on Focus and Academic Performance

The study did not differentiate between types of screen activities, such as playing video games versus educational programming. It is important to note that this research is observational, relying on parental questionnaires, which means it cannot definitively conclude that screen time directly causes lower academic achievement.

Despite this limitation, Dr. Sachin Maharaj, an assistant professor at the University of Ottawa, supports the study’s findings, indicating that excessive screen time can hinder children’s ability to concentrate. “All of this screen time trains our attention in particular ways that may make it harder to focus for long periods of time,” he stated. Maharaj emphasized that less time on screens often leads to more opportunities for beneficial activities like face-to-face interactions and outdoor play, both of which are linked to improved academic performance.

The discussion surrounding children’s screen time has gained momentum this year, particularly following the release of the bestselling book, The Anxious Generation, by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. The book examines how smartphones have reshaped children’s experiences and mental health.

Parental Challenges and Strategies

For parents like Anne Whitmore, managing screen time remains a significant challenge. As a mother of four, she enforces strict limits, allowing her children just one hour of screen use post-school. “It’s such a fight, you know, and kids can be relentless,” Whitmore remarked, highlighting the difficulties parents face in maintaining boundaries.

Whitmore, who serves as the president of the Surrey District Parent Advisory Council, has heard from educators about the negative effects of screen time on students. She recounted a principal’s anecdote about a child who dozed off in class after a night spent gaming.

In response to similar concerns, some Ontario schools and school boards have initiated legal actions against major tech companies, claiming that platforms like Snapchat and TikTok have altered children’s cognitive patterns, making learning more difficult.

Dr. Birken clarified that the study is not intended to blame parents for screen use. She advocates for a collaborative approach, involving parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, to encourage balanced screen time among children.

To facilitate healthier screen habits, the Canadian Paediatric Society recommends prioritizing educational content and engaging with children during screen time to enhance media literacy.

Whitmore has found success with her family’s screen time guidelines, stating that having clear rules minimizes conflicts. “In our view, it’s non-negotiable,” she affirmed.

As parents navigate the complexities of raising children in a digital age, research like this underscores the need for awareness and proactive strategies to foster healthier screen habits for future generations.