What Children Need Beyond Screens
For parents and school leaders, reducing screen time raises an equally important question: what will children have more opportunity to do?
Technology executives are among the parents choosing schools that protect time for play, nature and learning through direct experience. Those choices draw attention to what we should make available to children: good books, opportunities to create, time outdoors and adults who take their questions seriously.
A child’s question about the Moon might lead to several evenings of looking at the sky, a book read together and a visit to a planetarium. With each experience, the child has more to notice and ask about. Something seen through a telescope may make sense because of a book. Something learned at the planetarium may send the child back to the book with a new question.
Parents and educators can help that interest grow. They might introduce a more challenging book, watch a carefully chosen video together or talk with someone who knows the subject. Children can then use what they learn to explain an idea, test a prediction or make something of their own. Good teaching, practice and encouragement help them build knowledge and skill. These opportunities also give us a chance to recognize and support their developing talents.
The pleasure of discovery matters, too. Children deserve the satisfaction of making something work, the delight of a story and time to play simply because they enjoy it. I want children to experience both the challenge of learning and the joy of becoming more capable.
Providing these experiences takes planning. School leaders can work with educators and parents to make sure schools have enough books for children to read and discuss together, materials for practical work and time to explore ideas in depth. Parents can ask what children will read, create and explore as screen time decreases, and help support efforts to provide those opportunities.
Families differ in the time, money, transportation and support they have. Schools, libraries and community organizations have an important role in making books, the arts, outdoor activities and other learning opportunities accessible. A child’s chance to discover an interest or develop a talent should not depend on what a family can afford.
For parents and school leaders, the goal is to give children a childhood filled with opportunities to learn, imagine, play and grow. Decisions about screens should help us provide that.
A rich childhood should not be a luxury.
Dr. Judy Benson Clarke
Education Strategist
PEOPLE | POTENTIAL | POSSIBILITIES
