Brighton College Dubai has reported a notable increase in happiness levels and reading scores following a three-year initiative aimed at reducing screen time.
Headmaster Simon Crane shared that the school has taken a more "forensic" approach to monitor screen use, with happiness levels rising by 15% over the past two years.
"We've seen higher focus and achievement,"
he said, adding that the initiative has also improved reading scores.
The measures implemented at Brighton College include banning mobile phones during school hours and restricting screen use in creative subjects such as art, PE, drama, and music.
"Screens are only used in Math and Science when the teacher deems it necessary,"
Crane noted.
Meanwhile, Little Wonders Nursery in Dubai has taken a screen-free approach for its younger children.
"Whether it's a 4-hour batch or a full day, every child is screen-free,"
said Assistant Manager Fathimathul Rishada. The nursery focuses on meaningful activities that foster social, emotional, and cognitive development, emphasizing the importance of real-world interactions over digital distractions.
Both institutions align with experts who stress the risks of early exposure to screens. Dr. C.B. Binu, a Dubai-based psychologist, highlighted how screen addiction affects children's development. He shared a case where a toddler, addicted to screens from a young age, displayed unusual behavior after being deprived of them.
"Her developing brain had become so used to screen stimulation that when it was taken away, her body didn’t know how to react,"
Dr. Binu explained.
Simon Crane advocates delaying screen use for young children, stressing the importance of a traditional approach to teaching to ensure balanced development.
News Source: Khaleej Times
