Over 150 Doctors Urge Schools to Reduce Screen Time Amid Health Concerns

More than 150 medical professionals have called on the UK government to restrict the use of tablets and laptops in schools, arguing that current levels of screen time are jeopardizing children’s long-term physical and developmental well-being.

In an open letter addressed to Education Secretary Lucy Powell and Health Secretary Yvette Cooper, general practitioners, pediatricians, and specialists warned that educational technology is being deployed without a comprehensive understanding of its health implications, specifically regarding eye care.

The signatories reported that they are increasingly prescribing corrective lenses, hearing aids, and speech therapy for children whose conditions are being exacerbated by excessive screen exposure in the classroom. The group asserts that nearly one million students in England are using digital devices during the majority of their lessons.

Highlighting an analysis of 276 global studies involving 5.4 million participants, the clinicians noted a significant rise in short-sightedness among young people, jumping from approximately 24% in 1990 to nearly 36% by 2023. They cautioned that this condition is linked to a broader range of ocular health issues and argued that many children are now exceeding recommended daily screen limits while at school.

Dr. Becky Foljambe, an NHS GP and founder of Health Professionals for Safer Screens, told BBC Radio 4 that parents have been denied the opportunity to opt their children out of what she described as excessive screen use. She criticized the notion that digital preparation for the workforce outweighs fundamental needs such as sleep, rest, and critical thinking skills, labeling the latter argument as a “lazy” justification.

Foljambe also raised concerns that children with special educational needs are disproportionately steered toward screen-based learning. The letter emphasized that while evidence is still emerging, the consistent direction of independent research supports immediate action to reduce screen dependency in schools.

In response, a Department for Education spokesperson stated that the government is currently consulting on new guidance regarding screen time for children aged five to 18. The spokesperson also noted upcoming consultations on the safety of artificial intelligence and educational technology in schools, adding that technology remains a powerful tool for supporting learners when used appropriately.

This development follows the implementation of a ban on personal smartphones in schools across England in June, which places legal responsibility on individual institutions to maintain a phone-free environment throughout the school day.