A coalition of more than 150 medical professionals, including general practitioners, pediatricians, and other specialists, has issued an open letter to government officials expressing concern about the volume of screen-based device usage occurring during the school day in England.
The clinicians contend that tablets and laptops are being deployed in educational settings without sufficient understanding of potential long-term health consequences. They note that they are increasingly prescribing corrective eyewear, hearing aids, and speech therapy to address conditions they believe are being exacerbated within school environments. According to the letter, nearly one million children are using screens during most lessons, and many spend more time on such devices during the school day than recommended daily limits suggest.
The medical professionals reference an analysis examining 276 studies involving 5.4 million participants globally, which they indicate documents an increase in myopia among children and adolescents from approximately 24% in 1990 to nearly 36% by 2023. Short-sightedness is associated with elevated risks of additional eye health complications. The clinicians emphasize that the escalation “cannot be put down to genetics alone” and highlight that children with special educational needs receive disproportionate amounts of screen-based instruction.
Education leaders have responded that technology serves as an effective instructional tool when integrated into a balanced educational approach that also includes in-person interaction, physical education, and unstructured break time. They have called for evidence-based government guidance to help schools use educational technology appropriately.
The Department for Education stated it is developing new screen-time guidance for children aged five to 18 and will conduct consultations on artificial intelligence and educational technology safety in schools. The government maintains that technology, when properly implemented, can support learning and assist teachers in delivering quality education. This development follows the implementation of a smartphone ban in English schools that took effect in June.
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