Liz Keren-Kolb speaks with Scientific American about schools placing limits on kids’ screen time

Scientific American reports that Los Angeles public schools are limiting computer use in classrooms over health concerns. The L.A. school district resolution mentions research that says excessive screen time of certain types may lead to an increase in anxiety and depression, a reduction in attention span and the ability to manage emotions, lower academic achievements, and cognitive issues.

However, Marsal School Clinical Professor Liz Keren-Kolb says the research isn’t clear about whether the findings would apply to classroom technology.

“‘Excessive use’ in most of these studies is more than five or six hours straight of using screens in a very passive way for entertainment,” says Keren-Kolb. That’s “very, very different” from using screens in classrooms to gather information, write papers, make presentations or work with fellow students, she says. She cautions that limiting overall screen time in classrooms won’t necessarily help anyone learn better.

Keren-Kolb explains that well-designed educational media with clear learning goals are linked to better math and reading abilities in kids. Interactive rather than passive digital tools, with good navigation paths and a design to keep kids on track, all successfully support learning. These tools, she says, also allow students to explore and create rather than requiring them to complete repetitive drills.