Screens and children’s well-being: The latest evidence of technology’s impact on mental health and education

Children are increasingly accessing technology both in and out of classrooms. The impact this has on children’s development and education is important for everyone, from caregivers to educators to policymakers, to understand. Recent evidence shows that for children with unrestricted access to technology the impacts can be detrimental. In 2023, the OECD found that 45% of students surveyed across 85 countries felt nervous or anxious when their “phones were not near them” and students who spent over five hours on digital devices per day scored 49 points less in math. Over 65% of students with access to technology during class reported being distracted by it during lesson time.

Families and educators around the globe are struggling to manage young people’s use of technology. Evidence suggests that parents and educators play a strong role in creating ecosystems of tech use for children that are structured and purposeful. This can have multiple benefits for children’s well-being, including better mental health, stronger relationships, and improved educational outcomes.

On Wednesday, June 12, the Center for Universal Education at Brookings hosted two panel discussions on challenges to and solutions for managing technology in and out of school to support children’s learning and development.

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