Why Screens Are Messing With Our Kids' Brains

USAMon Nov 03 2025
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Many people think the problem with schools is just about kids not reading enough. But it's way bigger than that. The real issue is that screens are changing how kids think. It's not just phones; it's all the tech in their lives. From tablets at home to Chromebooks in class, screens are everywhere. Kids today are growing up with screens all around them. Even little ones get handed tablets to keep them busy. By the time they start school, their brains are already used to quick, flashy stuff. This makes it hard for them to focus on things like reading and writing. Some folks blame low standards for this problem. They say schools don't push kids enough. But that's not the whole story. The real problem is that screens are taking over classrooms. Teachers are using more tech to try and keep kids interested. But this might be making things worse. Studies show that too much screen time can mess with how kids think. It can make it harder for them to remember things and use their imagination. Instead of helping, too much tech might be making kids less smart. Some people think the answer is to spend more money on schools. But throwing money at the problem won't help if it's just used to buy more screens. What kids really need is a chance to think deeply and creatively. One way to do this is through project-based learning. This means kids work on big projects that need them to think hard and solve problems. Tech can still be part of this, but it's not the main focus. The goal is to help kids learn to think for themselves. For example, one teacher had kids research animals, write reports, and make movies. The kids loved it and learned a lot. This shows that tech can help, but it should be used in the right way. But in many schools, the focus is still on screens. Kids spend a lot of time clicking and swiping, but they're not really learning. Until schools find a better balance, kids will keep falling behind.