Digital Learning and Screen Time: Helping Students Stay Focused
Why Digital Learning and Screen Time Matter
High school students today spend significant time learning online. While digital tools offer flexibility and access to resources, excessive or unstructured screen time can reduce focus, increase stress, and affect academic performance. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, students benefit from balanced screen time and structured learning routines to support cognitive and emotional health. (Source: American Academy of Pediatrics)
Learning how to use technology effectively is essential for academic success, particularly for tests like the PSAT, SAT, or ACT, which are now administered digitally.
Strategies for Managing Digital Learning and Screen Time
1. Create a Distraction-Free Study Environment
Students should minimize distractions by:
Turning off phone notifications
Using apps that block social media during study sessions
Keeping study materials organized and easily accessible
2. Set Clear Goals for Each Digital Session
Before starting an online study session, students should identify:
What they plan to accomplish
Specific time limits for tasks
Break points to maintain focus and energy
3. Balance Online and Offline Study Methods
Incorporating offline study activities reinforces learning and reduces screen fatigue. Examples include:
Writing notes by hand
Practicing math problems on paper
Reading physical books or printouts
4. Practice Digital Test Skills
With many standardized tests moving to computer-based formats, students should:
Familiarize themselves with digital test platforms
Practice navigating timed sections
Develop strategies for pacing and answering multiple-choice or interactive questions
5. Schedule Screen Breaks
Frequent breaks improve concentration and reduce mental fatigue. The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes focus, 5-minute break) works well for digital study sessions. (Source: Mind Tools)
6. Monitor Overall Screen Time
Excessive recreational screen time can reduce sleep, attention, and motivation. Encourage students to:
Limit non-academic use to healthy levels
Track time spent on screens daily
Maintain physical activity and face-to-face interactions
How Smart Push Boot Camps Support Digital Learning
Smart Push Academic Coaching boot camps provide structured virtual instruction, helping students practice digital test skills while maintaining focus. Boot camps include:
Two days of live virtual instruction (4 hours each, 8 hours total)
Practice in Reading, Writing, and Math on digital platforms
Strategies for time management, pacing, and focus
A controlled environment that builds confidence in online learning and testing
Students gain digital literacy, test-taking skills, and focus strategies that translate to both academic tasks and standardized testing.
Take Action Today
Balancing screen time and learning effectively helps students maintain focus, reduce stress, and improve academic performance. Smart Push Boot Camps equip students with the tools and strategies to thrive in digital learning environments.