Using Technology Wisely: Tips for Smarter (Not Just More) Screen Time

• January 24, 2025
• Posted By : MBD
• 0comments

Ask any Indian parent today what worries them most about their child’s routine, and screen time usually tops the list. It's everywhere—classroom lessons, homework apps, online tests, YouTube tutorials, games, reels. But the real concern isn't just how much time kids spend in front of screens—it's what they're doing with that time.

The truth is, screens aren't going away. And nor should they. Done right, screen time can unlock a world of learning, creativity, and self-expression. But it needs conscious use—especially in a school-going child’s life.

Not All Screen Time Is Created Equal

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommends less than 2 hours of non-academic screen time per day for school-age children. But even within that limit, there’s a world of difference between passive consumption (like endless videos) and active engagement (like solving puzzles on an educational app or attending an interactive science session).

A study by the NCERT (2022) found that students using educational apps that allowed real-time feedback and concept reinforcement showed better retention rates than those relying on textbook PDFs alone. This suggests that digital tools, when used well, can complement traditional learning rather than distract from it.

So, What Does “Smart” Screen Time Look Like?

It looks like a Class 6 student watching a 3-minute concept explainer on decimals and then trying out 5 adaptive practice questions. It looks like a parent encouraging their child to make a digital collage on climate change for a school project, rather than watching cartoon compilations on autoplay.

Here are a few practical ways to make screen time work better:

• Plan the Purpose, Not Just the Duration: Instead of saying “only 1 hour,” try defining the screen time purpose—20 minutes for schoolwork, 15 for practice quizzes, 10 for storytelling videos. Make space for both fun and learning.
• Pick Tools That Personalise: Apps and platforms like AASOKA help tailor tasks based on each student’s pace and learning gaps. This kind of responsive screen time leads to better focus and outcomes.
• Set Shared Tech Rules at Home: Whether it’s a common device or individual screens, agreeing on screen-free times—like during meals or right before bed—makes a huge difference in digital well-being.
• Encourage Offline Reflection After Online Learning: After a digital lesson, ask your child to sketch what they learned, explain it in their own words, or connect it to something in daily life. This strengthens retention and reduces over-reliance on the screen.

Screen time doesn’t have to be the enemy. It just needs a purpose. In India’s evolving education landscape, where digital platforms are now integral even in rural classrooms, helping students use screens meaningfully is a skill in itself. One that we, as teachers and parents, need to model—and nurture.