The impact of increased screen time on students during covid-19 school closures

Abstract

This article is a review performed through an extensive review of previous research. Its purpose is to provide a concise overview of the current knowledge regarding the effects of increased screen usage on kids during the COVID-19 school closures. Our objective was to offer a thorough and all-encompassing examination of the current body of research, scrutinizing and deliberating on the methodologies and findings of previously conducted studies pertaining to the subject matter. The global transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 epidemic resulted in an unprecedented increase in the amount of time students spent using screens. Recent research has indicated that children' screen usage has increased by an average of 11.5 hours per week during school closures. This large growth has had significant effects on students' physical health, mental well-being, and educational achievements. Further digital literacy and access to a wide range of learning tools are two good results. However, there have been proven adverse consequences, including musculoskeletal pain, eye strain, anxiety, sadness, and declining in educational inequalities. In addition to highlighting the benefits and challenges of more screen time, this article shows ways to reduce its negative impacts, including managing screen time, exercising, and engaging in mindfulness exercises. The essay also examines what it means for educators, parents, and lawmakers highlighting the importance of adopting well-rounded strategies for digital learning that protect student well-being and ensure fairness. It also emphasizes how important it is to conduct additional study in order to comprehend the long-term impacts and create efficient solutions catered to various demographics.