A coalition of over 150 medical professionals is calling for an urgent reduction in screen time within English schools, warning that the widespread use of tablets and laptops may be compromising the physical and developmental wellbeing of students. In an open letter addressed to the secretaries of education and health, GPs and paediatricians argued that technology is often integrated into lessons without a comprehensive understanding of its long term effects. Many clinics report a surge in prescriptions for glasses, hearing aids, and speech therapy for issues that they believe are being exacerbated by excessive digital exposure during the school day.
The clinicians highlighted alarming data showing a global spike in short sightedness among young people, noting that rates rose from roughly 24 percent in 1990 to nearly 36 percent by 2023. Dr Becky Foljambe, an NHS GP and founder of Health Professionals for Safer Screens, dismissed the idea that these trends are purely genetic or simply a byproduct of preparing children for a digital economy. She emphasized that while tech skills are important, they should not come at the expense of essential needs like adequate sleep, ocular health, and the capacity for critical thinking.
Concerns were also raised regarding pupils with special educational needs, whom the group claims are disproportionately steered toward screen based learning. The doctors argue that many children now exceed recommended daily screen limits before they even leave the school gates, creating a compounding effect on their health. They have urged the government to act decisively to roll back this reliance on devices before permanent damage is done to a generation of learners.
In response, representatives from school leadership associations acknowledged the need for a healthy balance but defended technology as a vital component of modern pedagogy when paired with face to face interaction and physical activity. A spokesperson for the Department for Education stated that the government is currently developing new guidance for children aged five to eighteen. While acknowledging the debate, officials maintained that when used correctly, educational technology remains a powerful tool capable of supporting diverse learners and easing the burden on teachers.
