From scrutiny to strategy: reframing classroom screen time

By Claire Kerrison, Principal Analyst, Futuresource Consulting 

The amount of screen time K-12 students experience in the classroom has become a lightning rod for debate. Headlines highlighting the negative effects of excessive digital exposure on children’s mental and physical well-being have fuelled understandable concern among parents, educators and policymakers. Naturally, questions are being raised about how long students should be in front of a screen each day—particularly as digital tools become more deeply embedded in teaching and learning. 

Not all screen time is equal

However, as Futuresource’s ongoing research into EdTech adoption consistently shows, the reality is far more nuanced than the headlines suggest. We must differentiate between types of screen time rather than treat all digital exposure as equal. A clear distinction needs to be made between passive consumption - often linked to doomscrolling on mobile phones—and task-based, meaningful screen time that actively supports learning. The former can contribute to anxiety, depression, cyberbullying and sleep disruption. The latter, when paired with effective instruction, has repeatedly been found to enhance learning outcomes. 

This distinction is fundamental to how the AV industry understands its role in the modern classroom. Interactive flat panels, classroom computers, tablets and even mobile devices, when used with intent, can strengthen engagement, personalisation and accessibility. And Futuresource’s data reflects this: 60% of teachers across the US, UK, Germany, Brazil and the Philippines believe students’ learning outcomes would improve with more purposeful screen time, provided the technology is embedded thoughtfully into pedagogy. 

Edtech with real, measurable impact

At Futuresource, we work extensively with EdTech companies across the supply chain to help them measure and communicate the real impact of their solutions. Through rigorous impact assessments, user-experience evaluations and total cost of ownership analysis, we support vendors and integrators in building evidence-backed narratives that demonstrate the positive outcomes their technologies can deliver. This not only informs product development but also helps counter the increasingly popular misconception that all screen time is inherently harmful. 

Yet despite the potential, the biggest barrier is not the technology itself, but teachers’ ability to use it effectively. Educating teachers on how to integrate digital tools—whether IFPDs, laptops or mobile devices—is critical if technology is to fulfil its promise. Unfortunately, many educators are not being provided with the training needed. Recent research conducted by Futuresource found that in the UK, 25% of teachers report receiving no training on classroom software, and 27% have received no training on administrative software. When educators are left unsupported, technology is more likely to be misused, underused or misunderstood, perpetuating fears around screen exposure. 

A wider ecosystem of support for teachers and students

For the AV industry, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Technology alone cannot transform learning; the wider ecosystem of support must be in place. Integrators and manufacturers who provide wraparound services—professional development, pedagogical support, content resources and intuitive design—will be the partners that schools increasingly depend on as they navigate an evolving digital landscape. 

The truth is simple: devices are not going away. The focus must shift from indiscriminate restriction to cultivating digital discipline—the ability to stay intentional and focused in environments where distraction sits only a tap away. Removing devices will not prepare students for the reality of the world they live in; equipping teachers with the right strategies and tools will. 

The debate around screen time will undoubtedly continue, but the AV industry has a pivotal role in shaping its future. By championing purposeful use, supporting educators and promoting responsible digital habits, the sector can help schools unlock the full potential of classroom technology—while safeguarding student wellbeing in an increasingly digital world. 

Edtech insights at Bett UK 2026

At Bett UK 2026, I’ll be leading a panel discussion, ‘Rethinking BYOD: Innovation, Inclusion and Impact’, highlighting the creative ways integrators are using technology to promote learning equity. This January, the Bett UK 2026 agenda brings you world-class speakers and sessions carefully curated to inspire and inform on the key topics shaping the future of education. Your Bett UK 2026 ticket grants access to hundreds of hours of CPD-accredited content designed to drive meaningful impact in classrooms worldwide, including debates on smartphone bans, absenteeism and the evolving role of AI. Find out more here.