Addressing the Impact of Screen Time on Learning and Mental Health

Experts discussed the challenges of balancing technology use with academic success and mental health in today’s digital age at the recent Campus Connect, “Screen Time and Study Time: Navigating Devices in Education.”

Fairfield University recently hosted a timely and engaging panel discussion titled "Screen Time and Study Time: Navigating Devices in Education," focusing on the growing concern over cell phone use among youth and its impact on education, mental health, and local policy.

The event was held at the downtown Fairfield University Store and featured a distinguished panel of experts, including local Fairfield Public Schools Superintendent Michael Testani and two Fairfield University professors: Joseph DeLuca, PhD, specializing in clinical psychology with a focus on youth mental health, and Joshua Elliott, EdD, associate dean of the School of Education and Human Development, and director of the University’s Educational Technology Program. Evelyn Bilias-Lolis, PhD, dean of the School of Education and Human Development, served as moderator.

The panelists provided a well-rounded perspective on the complex issue of device use among students and shared valuable insights on how schools, families, and communities can navigate the challenges of technology in education. Superintendent Testani shared the challenges faced by school districts like Fairfield in managing screen time and balancing educational needs with the increasing presence of personal devices in the classroom.

“We need to equip our kids with the skill set to navigate the technology as it continues to change…we try to educate children, not just create rules or laws around when they can access it, but when they do have access, that they can use it responsibly, and use it respectfully, especially when interacting with their peers,” Testani emphasized during his remarks.

Dr. Joseph DeLuca addressed the mental health implications of excessive screen time, particularly the effects of social media on young people. “Technology is here. It's not going anywhere. We're also aware, we are seeing an increase in youth mental health problems. We can't fully say that social media or the internet or screens are causing this crisis. It does play a role as part of the pie,” DeLuca noted. “We need to keep kids safe, help them use digital technology in responsible ways...help them build autonomy, and help them build skills to navigate in an ever-changing and complicated digital atmosphere.”

Dr. Joshua Elliott highlighted the role of educational technology in enhancing learning, but also stressed the importance of setting boundaries for device use in the classroom. “Our students can literally publish a book. They can make a video. They can be active producers and they can make a difference... We can bring someone who is an expert into our classroom. It's also important to harness that piece,” he said. “Devices aren't going away. And even on the college level, we see a lot of conversation with how do we keep it in the classroom.”

He also offered advice for parents and teachers on how to guide their children through the complexities of technology use both in and out of school. “It's also important for us to model this with our students, when it's time to shut it down and have a conversation. Here's the time to use these great resources. Here's the time to have a face-to-face conversation.”

Dr. Testani offered practical solutions and strategies for educators and parents: “Over fifty percent of our teenagers are on social media over four hours a day…That's not happening in school. That's happening at home…it's happening late at night when you think your child is sleeping.” He added, “That’s an important piece that we need to understand—this is a partnership. The biggest starting point in that is, ‘when do I get my child a smartphone?’ I think you have to think long and hard before you make that decision.”

Emphasizing the importance of open communication between parents and their children about technology use, Dr. DeLuca stressed that parents should engage in conversations with their kids about the impact of media, the potential for comparison with peers, and the curated nature of what is often presented on screens. These discussions help children understand the difference between reality and the media they consume, ultimately fostering healthier relationships with technology.

Dr. Bilias-Lolis raised a key point about how to best support educators in effectively navigating the integration of technology in the classroom, while also collaborating with families to ensure students’ success. “How do we support education so that the adults who are working with these children can do their jobs effectively, but also work with home and family?”
Dr. Joshua Elliott and Superintendent Michael Testani built on this by discussing the challenges teachers face, including the need for professional development in technology use, balancing diverse classroom needs, and adapting to rapidly changing digital tools. They emphasized that while technology can be a powerful resource, it’s critical to ensure teachers are well-prepared and supported to use these tools in ways that enhance learning and manage the complexities of today’s classroom environment.

The panel discussion provided a rich, interactive dialogue on how schools, families, and local communities can work together to create environments that foster both academic success and mental health resilience in an increasingly digital world. To watch the full discussion please visit: Screen Time and Study Time: Navigating Devices in Education.

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