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Clinicians urge reduction of classroom screen time to protect children's health
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More than 150 clinicians, including GPs and paediatricians, have written an open letter to government ministers warning that excessive use of tablets and laptops in English schools is harming children's physical and developmental health, including their eyesight. The group called for a reduction in school screen use, citing research linking high screen time to rising rates of short-sightedness. In response, the government stated it is consulting on new screen time guidance for children aged five to 18 while noting that technology can support learning when used correctly.
Wichtige Punkte
- Over 150 clinicians warned Education Secretary Lucy Powell and Health Secretary Yvette Cooper that classroom screen use threatens children's physical and developmental health.
- Clinicians highlighted a global rise in short-sightedness among children and adolescents, increasing from approximately 24% in 1990 to nearly 36% by 2023.
- Signatories argue that parents cannot opt out of excessive screen use in schools, which is impacting children's sleep, eyesight, and critical thinking.
- The letter also warns that children with special educational needs are disproportionately directed towards screen-based learning.
- School leaders' unions called for a healthy balance and practical, evidence-based guidance from the government regarding educational technology.
- The Department for Education stated it is developing new screen-time guidance for children aged five to 18 and consulting on the safety of educational technology.