Many schools have banned pupils from using smartphones during the school day but one primary school in London has gone a step further. At Holy Family Catholic Primary School, teachers also put away their devices during monthly “screen-free Mondays”. Some parents have joined in as well; the school told The Guardian newspaper that many said they found it gave them more time to read, play games and go for walks with their families. With research showing that the average adult checks their phone about once every 12 minutes, taking a break from screens could help improve their health. However, some adults need their screens for work and keeping in touch with others. What do you think? Should adults have screen-free days?
Yes – taking a break is good for everyone
Scientists say too much screen time can affect adults as well as children. Research shows that spending more than two hours a day on screens can make it harder to sleep and concentrate. One study says the average time a person can focus on something on a screen has fallen from two-and-a-half minutes 20 years ago – when mobile phones started to become widespread – to just 47 seconds today. Using screens can even change the brain. Researchers have found that heavy smartphone use can make the part of the brain that deals with memory and decision-making get thinner. Also, children are “like sponges”, Samuel Forbes, a behaviour expert, told the BBC, so are likely to copy parents if they see them on screens.
No – adults need them for everyday life
Many parents rely on their phones to help them stay in touch with people in case of emergencies. Devices can also be essential for work. Research by the Uswitch organisation found that almost 24 million people in the UK spend around 12 hours a week working on their smartphones. Some people argue that using screens responsibly – for a purpose rather than just scrolling – is more important than having screen-free time. Eleanor Drage, a researcher at Cambridge University, told the BBC it’s all about staying engaged with the online world but in a positive way. Parents can set a good example by showing their children that they can use phones wisely and still join in with family time.