Screentime for Students

GBAPS Connected & Balanced – A Monthly Digital Wellness Series

We are excited to launch GBAPS Connected & Balanced, a new monthly series of communication tailored to support families and staff in navigating student screen time, digital balance, and student well-being. Previously, your family may have participated in a screening of the film Screenagers, which addressed issues that school-aged students, parents, and educators are facing when it comes to screen use. Now, to help continue that discussion, we will tackle a new theme each month, including:

January: Screen Time Balance
February: Mindfulness Applications & Mental Health
March: Understanding Internet Addictions
April: Pro-Social Video Games
May: Mental Health Support Organizations & Screen-Free Week

We look forward to partnering with you this year to help our students thrive both on and off the screen! Review the months below for tips on tackling screentime, digital balance and more!

January: Screen Time Balance
February: Mindfulness Applications & Mental Health

January: Screen Time Balance

Did your Holiday celebrations bring with them the joy of managing your child's screentime? Perhaps new devices were received, or maybe you just had lots of extra free time that got filled with screens. Start the year fresh by taking some time to learn about how to help foster positive mental health for your child while balancing screen time with screen-free time.

This month, we are focusing on practical strategies to find a healthy equilibrium in a digital world. We want to help move the conversation from "policing" devices to "partnering" with our children.

Managing Screen Time Wisely

Elementary-Age Students

Five children sitting on a couch, each focused on their own digital devices including smartphones and tablets.

75% of children spend more time on screens than recommended by health experts.

Encouraging balanced screen time can enhance family interactions and improve children's focus and sleep quality.

"Creating healthy screen habits is essential for your child's development and well-being."

- Screenagers film

2 Hours

Recommended daily screen time limit

Limit screens to 2 hours daily for better health.

80%

Screen time affecting physical activity

80% of kids are less active due to screens.

30%

Children using screens at bedtime

30% of kids use screens right before bed, impacting sleep quality.

Balancing screen time is crucial for children's health. By promoting active play and family time, you encourage better habits that lead to happier, healthier children.

A group of five children joyfully running and playing in a sunny park with trees.

Middle and High School-Age Students

Five young individuals leaning against a brick wall, each focused on their own smartphone.

70% of teens feel overwhelmed by their screen time, indicating a need for balance in daily routines and encouraging families to engage in open conversations.

3 Hours

Average daily screen time for teens.

1 Hour

Recommended daily screen time limit.

40%

Parents who monitor screen time.

60%

Families with tech-free zones.

"Balance is key for healthy habits."

- Screenagers film

Managing screen time effectively is crucial for families to promote healthier habits and foster stronger relationships. Establishing boundaries and encouraging activities outside of screens can significantly improve overall well-being for both parents and children alike.

Engaging in conversations about screen time and its impact empowers families to make informed choices. Utilizing resources and strategies can help establish a balanced approach that prioritizes quality family time and individual well-being in today's digital age.

Group of seven friends laughing and enjoying a fun moment together at a park.

February: Mindfulness Applications & Mental Health

This month's focus is on mindfulness in which we introduce families to age‑appropriate mindfulness apps designed to help children and teens build focus, manage stress, and develop emotional awareness. These resources support families in fostering mindfulness practices that promote balance, resilience, and well‑being at every stage of growth.

Mindfulness Applications & Mental Health

Elementary-Age Students

Student on small devices with other students and book shelves in the background.

75% of children report feeling less anxious after using mindfulness apps regularly. Introducing mindfulness can lead to improved focus and emotional regulation in children.

10 Minutes

Average time for sessions.

5 Benefits

Improves attention span
Helps change mindset
Enhances emotional well-being
Improves ability to slow down decision-making
Increases ability to handle stress

9 Apps

Recommended for mindfulness practice.

2-8 Years

Ideal age range for apps.

Three individuals are sitting cross-legged on yoga mats in a park, meditating with closed eyes. They are spaced evenly apart on a grassy area with trees in the background. The scene conveys a sense of calm and focus.

"Mindfulness improves focus and emotional health."

- Screenagers film

Mindfulness apps can be a fantastic tool for children, helping them learn to manage their emotions and find calm in their busy lives. These applications often incorporate fun activities, making the practice enjoyable and engaging for young users, fostering essential skills for long-term well-being.

By encouraging children to explore mindfulness through these playful apps, parents can help nurture emotional intelligence and resilience. Engaging with these tools regularly can lead to brighter moods, increased focus, and healthier coping strategies during challenging moments in their daily lives.

Middle and High School-Age Students

68% of teens find mindfulness apps helpful in managing stress and improving focus, helping them navigate the complexities of daily life and emotional challenges.

A person sits on a blanket in a sunlit park, leaning against a tree with a yellow skateboard propped up nearby. They appear relaxed, gazing upwards, surrounded by green grass and trees.

75%

75% of users reported reduced anxiety.

90%

90% found mindfulness practices helpful.

85%

85% noticed improved sleep quality.

60%

60% engaged in daily mindfulness sessions.

A group of six people sitting on outdoor steps, smiling at the camera. They appear relaxed, with brick and wooden building features in the background.

"Mindfulness is a journey, not a destination."

- Screenagers film

Mindfulness applications are designed to help teenagers manage stress and anxiety effectively. By integrating techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, and guided imagery, these tools provide an accessible way for teens to cultivate mindfulness and emotional resilience in their daily lives.

Many teens report that using mindfulness apps has positively impacted their mental health, with improvements in focus, anxiety reduction, and sleep quality. These tools provide engaging, bite-sized content that fits seamlessly into busy schedules, making mindfulness practices accessible and easy to incorporate into their routines.