The Education Policy Institute partnered with Sync to hold a private roundtable on: ‘Reframing educational screen time – exploring best practice in schools’
Education technology is becoming increasingly integrated into educational strategy. The recent schools white paper signalled an integration of digital infrastructure, AI and data within wider system reform, and education leaders are in need of support and guidance in harnessing technology to achieve better outcomes for students. Yet there are also growing concerns across the education sector about the role of technology in schools and about the increase in children’s exposure to screens.
There is evidence that too much time spent in front of a screen and multitasking with other media can be related to worse executive functioning and academic performance. Yet emerging research also shows technology can promote inclusion, attendance and attainment, while decreasing suspensions and persistent absence when it is implemented effectively. There are also many “common myths” around the amount and types of screen time used in schools. For example, parents assume that children are spending over 60 per cent of the school day using screens. Yet studies show that current usage ranges from 8 to 29 per cent between ages 4-16. Educational screen time also involves interactions that require active cognition and cognitive challenge, in opposition to low demand, passive consumption that often takes place at home. Understanding the difference and developing a shared vocabulary that articulates this nuance is significant for the screen time debate.
So, what are the pinch points and key challenges experienced by schools and school groups with regards to decision-making on and the operationalisation of educational technology? What is needed to enable school leaders to deliver effective and balanced educational screen time?
This roundtable brought together a group of school and trust leaders to explore the types of screen time students are engaging in at school, and the impact on their learning and wider outcomes. It was the second in a series of two events looking at current screen time practices in schools and trusts. The findings from the two events will be synthesised in a paper to support decision-making across the sector about digital strategy, device management and effective implementation.
Partner with us
This roundtable was an invitation-only event as part of the Education Policy Institute’s partnership programme. To discuss running a private roundtable with EPI, please contact Tim Archer (tim.archer@epi.org.uk) or Adam Richards-Gray (adam.richards-gray@epi.org.uk) – or you can find out more about wider partnership opportunities here
