Teaching, Learning and Wellbeing

Supporting Healthy Attention: Managing Screen Time at Home

In today’s digital world, devices are a normal and often helpful part of children’s lives. They can support learning, creativity and connection. However, increasing research and classroom experience show that excessive screen time can impact children’s attention, focus and ability to engage deeply in learning.

At RGLPS, we are noticing that some students are finding it difficult to adjust to classroom tasks that require sustained effort, persistence, and regular practice over time. These skills are essential for success in reading, writing and maths, and they develop gradually through repeated practice and exposure. Without regular opportunities to build stamina and resilience, students may become easily frustrated or disengage when learning becomes challenging, making it harder for them to consolidate new knowledge and skills.

Frequent or prolonged device use, especially fast-paced games or short-form videos, can make it harder for children to adjust to the slower pace of classroom learning. Just like any habit, attention can be strengthened—or weakened—depending on how it is used.

How you can help at home:

• Set and maintain clear and consistent limits around recreational screen time
• Prioritise device-free times, particularly before school and before bed
• Encourage activities that build focus, such as reading, drawing, building, or playing outside
• Create opportunities for conversation, which supports language and thinking development
• Keep devices out of bedrooms overnight to support healthy sleep routines

A helpful guideline is to aim for balance—ensuring children have plenty of time each day for play, movement, social interaction and rest, alongside any screen use.

Further reading for parents:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/screen-time/art-20047952

By working in partnership, parents and teachers can support children to develop the strong attention skills they need to thrive both at school and beyond.

Term Two Team Newsletters

I anticipate the Term Two Team Newsletters being available from early next week. Please keep an eye out for a Compass alert to access these. 

Kerron Worsdell 

Learning Specialist