School's back, and so are the problems in the classroom. In an attempt to learn more about them, a person who goes online by the nickname Itwasobviouslyburke made a post on the subreddit r/AskTeachers that read, "What screams 'I have unlimited screen time' in students?" And she got plenty of replies. While nobody is denying that electronic devices can enhance learning, here are some of the red flags that educators believe suggest children should take it down a notch.

#1

High school teacher here.

They think that they know so much more about technology and computers than adults. Really they just know more about c***py social media apps and some about web use. They have no clue how to save a file to a specific location, or use a simple spreadsheet.

Image credits: John082603

#2

Parroting video phrases(especially ones that are above their maturity level) and telling me they are bored within seconds of downtime. The kids don’t know what to do with themselves without an iPad.

Image credits: rachelk321

We managed to get in touch with the author of the post, and the woman, who is a teacher herself, said the idea for it came from personal experience.

"I, like many people these days, am constantly in awe of how quickly technology has advanced in my lifetime," Itwasobviouslyburke told Bored Panda. "I'm 33, so as a child, I didn't have a cellphone. The most techy thing I spent my time doing was personalizing my MySpace page and chatting with friends on AIM. Nowadays it's rare to see anyone in public without some form of screen in hand. I get it, as I've found I'm pretty much addicted to 'screen time' in one form or another (much like most everyone) as well."

These advancements pose significant challenges for the young ones, and the Redditor is witnessing them firsthand. "I'm a stepmom to an amazing 11-year-old boy, who received a smartphone at nine years old. He has age-appropriate restrictions and limits with his phone and tablet, but even still, I've noticed a direct correlation between screen use and his ability to pay attention and be involved during screen-free activities. He's always been a very bright straight-A student; however, at the end of his last school year, his grades declined significantly."

"His teacher specifically mentioned things like paying attention, staying on track, being responsible for remembering things, etc., and this prompted me to reach out to other teachers for their general consensus," she added.

#3

Sleeping all the time because they were up all night gaming or scrolling. (Mine aren’t old enough to work).

Image credits: Glum_Ad1206

#4

"My hand hurts." Trying to write one paragraph or cut a square with scissors.  
Can not think creatively.  Says inappropriate things like 'skibbidi toilet' 'what the..' and 'yes daddy'


These are 2nd graders. .

Image credits: Locuralacura

As she kept track of the post's comment section, Itwasobviouslyburke noticed a few trends emerge in the discussion.

"The most common answer I saw was regarding students' inability to concentrate on any school activities not involving a screen," she said. "Teachers said they have a hard time even paying attention to movies (which used to be a fun treat in class), as the constant 'short-form content' most of the kids are consuming at home makes it harder for them to stay engaged in longer-form content."

"Another big one was the constant parroting of internet lingo and meme talk," she noted. "One of the more interesting things some commenters had noted was a lot of their students who seemed to have unlimited screen time also had parents who usually don't like to address problems going on at school, nor take them seriously. It’s as if the kids are now ruling the roost, so to speak."

#5

The ones that talk constantly. They watch these streamers/reaction videos/whatever in which the narrator never stops talking. They don't know how to hold a conversation, sit and listen, or even try to mentally process something before opening their mouth.

Image credits: spoooky_mama

#6

When they act like their entire life is a YouTube reaction video.

Image credits: anxious_teacher_

According to a recent study, which reviewed the habits of about 30,000 children aged 3 to 18 between Jan. 1, 2020, and March 5, 2022, screen time is, indeed, on the rise worldwide.

The meta-analysis revealed that since the pandemic, the average screen time among children globally has gone up by 52%, and has reached a daily mean of 246 minutes of screen time per day (4.1 h/d) across all children and adolescents.

Of course, not all of it is evil. Researchers in Australia who studied the behaviors of 4,013 children identified several categories of screen time, including social, educational, passive, and interactive.

According to their paper, the type of screen time determines whether it has a positive or negative impact.

#7

I noticed a change in my little cousin (5 yo) when he changed day cares- suddenly he'd be GLUED to the TV, to the point he'd get upset if you cut it off- before, it was background noise that he'd look at occasionally when things got quiet.
His mom noticed the issue too, and investigated his new day care some- turns out they'd just plop the kids in front the TV and leave them be for most of the day. Thankfully, swapping him to a more responsible day care changed this new habit pretty quick... sharing bc I want people to realize how much it ACTUALLY affects young kids to not have an adult help them in regulating this stuff.

#8

“I don’t like coloring/playing with toys” being bored while I read them a book or put on an educational video.

Image credits: Its_the_tism

The researchers showed that educational screen time provides the most benefit, showing positive effects on children’s persistence and educational outcomes while also having no significant impact on health. Interactive screen time, which involves playing video games, showed positive educational outcomes but was associated with poorer health.

Passive screen time — perhaps one of the more favored for anyone who likes to watch TV shows — is the least healthy form of screen time.

Another longitudinal study published at the end of 2020 looked at cognitive and emotional functioning in children over time, between ages 4 and 8, measured against their daily screen time. It found excessive screen time led to emotional dysregulation and negatively affected mathematics and literacy.

#9

Seeing innuendo in EVERYTHING at age 7. being obsessed with calling people “beta” or “sigma” also at age 7. reacting to educational ipad programs like they’re fortnite (screaming when they get a question wrong on i-ready, etc).

Image credits: lesbiandruid

#10

I'm a preschool teacher. I've had young children say something like "like and subscribe" at the end of interactions, because they think it's something you say when saying bye.

I've also had literal infants who know how to open apps, and know which one is YouTube- before they can walk.

Also, babies who have a strong selfie game. If you turn the camera on the tablet, they instantly stop crying and start cheesing.

The Redditor who started this online discussion thinks schools should limit kids' access to technology.

"I don't see a purpose for a student to need their smartphone in class (unless there's a medical need, i.e. insulin levels or something)," she said. "Parents can always call the school to get ahold of their kids like we've done for decades."

She's not an abolitionist, though. "Technology in school is necessary to some degree as computer literacy is very important these days. Learning how to search for information on a specific subject, find sources to cite, navigate media literacy, etc. are all necessary these days," the teacher further explained her stance.

But "I do think it's unnecessary and harmful to give out Chromebooks to kindergartners (what a lot of teachers commented on as well) and wonder if there's a good age/middle ground to start introducing these things in classrooms. Maybe 4th grade would be a better starting point?"

#11

When I ask the kids what they did over the weekend and all they can tell me is they played video games. All they talk about is video games. All they write about is video games. They have no interests besides video games. It infuriates me.

Image credits: OriginalRush3753

#12

Middle school…some are so addicted to staring at a screen they look at you like you did horrible violence to them when you flip the laptop closed. You’ve told them to close it nicely and they just CANNOT detach from the screen, so you walk over and close it and they lose it! They acted like they were one click away from saving the world. I am not exaggerating that they are mentally deranged.

When it comes to the question of whether schools can effectively address screen time issues if parents aren't taking action at home, Itwasobviouslyburke wishes there would be a simpler answer than the one we have now.

"It's so hard because I do appreciate being able to check on my student in real time via apps like PowerSchool, and I also like knowing he's where he's supposed to be as he shares his location with us," the Redditor explained. "Either way, if kids spend ~50% or more on screens at school, to then come home and have screen time until they eventually fall asleep is a recipe for trouble."

Also, even if the educators have good intentions on an individual level, systematic change can be hard to achieve. "I know teachers may share in their beliefs, but it seems like administration gets to call the shots in most cases and tend to appease the parents, not teachers and their wishes or observations."

"I'm a dance teacher so it's different, but I know teachers can never care more than the parents. You can spend all day trying to instill and maintain healthy habits, but if that’s not continued at home it's essentially pointless (and frustrating)!"

#13

In early childhood I find that it's the kids who talk about weapons/violence. Usually I'll have 3-4 in a class who bring it up constantly/model all of their play around it.

Image credits: emomotionsickness2

#14

Being unable to play board games.

Image credits: missmyda

#15

A nine year old asked me if I knew what a "pick-me" was.

It made me realize the danger of unfettered internet access + parents who don't speak English.

Image credits: trashu

#16

Screaming and punching tables every time they’re asked to do work pencil-and-paper instead of on a computer or even merely to just put a computer away. Yes, I have a student who’s really like this. And yes, they are too old for tantrums. They’re 11.

Image credits: Plus_Molasses8697

#17

So little attention and the inability to not be doing something. Like they just can’t “hang out” for a second, they need to consistently be doing something.

Image credits: hotz0mbie

#18

Watch how they act when their access to computers/phones/iPads is cut off. We had a major internet outage. No signal and no Wi-Fi. The kids with decent parents groaned, pouted for a minute and found something else to do. The kids with unlimited screen time had a complete meltdown for hours. Teenagers screaming, literal tears, tantrums and complete regression to toddler behavior.

Image credits: ElfPaladins13

#19

The flat affect and only talking about characters in the videos they watch - their imagination literally does not go past the “huggy wuggy did this….” And this was first grade.

Image credits: gingersrule77

#20

Not thinking to read written instructions....

Image credits: Hanners87

#21

Those that can't make it 10-15min into a movie.

Movie day at the end of the year was such a reward when I was in school (and I actually remember a lot from watching those films in a critical way). I have so many kids that genuinely cannot sit still or stay off their phone/laptop for more than 15min.

These are seniors by the way...

#22

Yesterday we had a water day at my school in the afternoon.

They had these huge inflatables but they were all wet rides like a bouncy house with water, a giant water slide, etc.

They also had lots of water related games. If I was a kid, I would have played without stopping.

Several of our students were simply not able to play. They whined about being bored and wanted to go inside even begging me to leave my station and take them inside. “Ms. Ride this is boring. Can you take us inside to your room.”

Finally they found a platform on the field and sat there on their phones for most of the 3 hours.

Not being able to engage in or enjoy non screen activities screams “I have unlimited screen time.”.

#23

The ones who are bored every recess and won't touch any of the playground equiptment/gear- just complain the whole time that they're bored. Also the ones who super struggle to engage in quiet, independent activity that does not involve a screen.

Image credits: Consistent-Many6191

#24

I teach 5th grade. First of all, having little to no good/close friends, because they don’t ever hang out with anyone outside of school because they just want to be on a screen the whole time. Second, sleeping in class often because they were up all night on their screens…and usually when I call home about it, the parent says they have a strict “no screens after 8/9 PM” rule, but the problem is they don’t enforce it/check that it is being followed. Third, when they have a *haarrrddd* time staying off their Chromebooks. I had some kids who would literally prefer to mindlessly scroll their computers with the lid and inch open when I have blockers built in to where they can’t browse anything but the select few sites I have given permission to be on than to just shut the dang lid for 5 minutes and listen to me teach/give directions. It always took everything I had not to call them screen crackheads to their faces. Lastly, when they lack the ability to keep their mouth closed at times when even they know they should. They’re so used to YouTube and TikTok videos with people talking over one another and so used to having a reaction to every little thing. I’m thinking of one kid in particular right now and just - UGH I’m so glad it’s summer and that kid is officially not my problem anymore.

#25

I teach kindergarten, and I've noticed the ones who are addicted to screens get insanely territorial over any tech device, but especially touch screen ones like iPads. I literally had to put away the iPads this year and just not use them because there were kids who would scream and throw tantrums as you wrestled the iPad away from them because they just would. not. stop. playing. Nothing worked, not setting timers, not having a buddy use it with them(then they would just fight over it), not any sort of behavioral intervention-- they just wanted the iPad all to themselves and would fight tooth and nail to keep it, even going so far as to try to destroy them rather than willingly give them up. It was extreme, sad, and a pain in the a*s, so they've been locked in the iPad cart for probably 6 months now. ?‍♀️.

#26

I had multiple 8th graders this year who have never made a paper airplane….

Image credits: Substantial_Hat7416

#27

For us, it's them asking to go to the bathroom every 2 minutes (so they can check their phones).

Image credits: Business_Loquat5658

#28

The absolute inability to focus on something that doesn’t interest them. They are so pumped full of dopamine all the time from their devices, when something doesn’t interest them they go in to withdrawal and shut down.

#29

I teach middle school. Significantly reduced attention span is a big indicator, and so is total desensitization to racism, sexism, violence, and sex. These students will try to be funny by saying the most shocking and [inappropriate] things I’ve ever heard and not even fully realize how weird and hurtful they’re being. Also, the moaning in the middle of class is a big deal.

#30

I have parents of kids my kids are friends with who let their kids watch hours and hours of tablet a day. I don’t understand how they think this is okay. One mom told me that her kids (kindergartner and prek) watch tablet from the time they get home (2pm) till dinner but she doesn’t allow it after that, like wtf.
She said that they cannot handle extracurricular activities and that her daughter is too tired after school to do anything.

#31

Well, most of them are addicted to the internet..

Sometimes I start a lesson with a typical influencer styled "Hey guys!" Lol and kinda do that "Welcome to my channel" spiel.

We basically all have to up our game a bit in terms of also being HIGHLY entertaining, in order to keep their attention.

Oddly, these shenanigans, as odd as they might seem on the surface, really do work to keep them engaged.

And there isnt one behavior. They dont even really want to be on Canvas, which is a very entertaining learning system. They just want or need EVERYTHING to be super entertaining.
That said, some of these students can whiz through their online lessons like its nobody's business, while their efforts on paper require a lot more goading.

Also, the constant talking and getting up out of their seat, and a lack of any real boundaries and limitations at home become excruciatingly evident in the first hour of class.

#32

When they are mumbling memes and internet jargon to themselves constantly almost like a tic or like they are self soothing.

#33

I teach high school.

Anything that connects to the "real world" is automatically boring/useless. Anything that requires thinking past one step is too hard.

The other thing that drives me crazy is when they skip to a question on an exam and ask me what they're supposed to do. Like I get it; sometimes we miss stuff or it's unclear. But... The directions are right there. And it's not complicated. You just couldn't be bothered to read them. ??‍♀️ Not sure if that's a screen time thing or not, but all the mobile games they play are so basic and simplistic that they didn't need directions really, or it's only pictures done one at a time - it wouldn't surprise me if it's related.

#34

Being aggressively and loudly wrong about anything.

#35

When they start quoting flat earth/red pill/Fox News type language or sounding fake deep, trying to one up or pop quiz the teacher as if they are suddenly superior with these questionable pieces of information; let’s me know they have ventured too far in YouTube. You have to scrolling a long time for your algorithm to look like that.

#36

Not accepting no as an answer.

#37

It's funny. I was just talking about the chromebooks with my co teacher. This year, if we had a little extra time at the end of the lessons, I'd give the kids a bit of free time. I teach middle school special education. I realized the kids were always going on the chromebooks with headphones. Sometimes, they would come in the room, and before class started, be on games already. They hardly touched the board games and other stuff I had. So we decided next year free time will be without chromebooks. I had one couldn't even put it under his desk when I asked him he actually hugged it. It's really an addiction.

#38

My sister is 12 going on 13 and she stays up all night, has a lot of questions about stuff but doesn’t have the common sense to google it if she’s that curious, and has no hobbies outside of her phone. I’m not a teacher but she definitely has a certain degree of chronically online behavior. Also she used to pull the “what the…” line CONSTANTLY between about 6-9.

#39

I dunno about that, but when Squidgame was very popular we leaned pretty fast which middle school students have minimal to no screen supervision at home.

#40

Intimate knowledge of warfare and killing in children ages 10 and under. 

Low to zero stamina for challenge or any task involving any amount of labor/effort without immediate rewards. 

Obsessions with serious/dangerous/destructive pranks and complete confusion about how pranks could be harmful to others (actual response “but so and so on YouTube does it so it can’t be bad”)


Basically, parents need to understand that no matter what you preface or follow up with, children ages 10 and under will internalize the games and media they consume, they WILL bring it to school and re-enact it on their peers, they WILL emulate the self-talk. They WILL take everything the adults on these vids and in comms chat say to them literally and it will become part of their internal script.  

And they will never know actual joy and success and a sense of awe and wonder after working so hard and overcoming so many barriers to finally arrive at something born uniquely of their hard work and efforts, because they cannot make it beyond the first mile marker in any task without a reward attached to it. .

#41

Student left an assembly without letting anyone know to sit in the hallway and play on his iPad ?.

#42

Constantly talking/interrupting/trying to get the class off topic.

Major attention span problems (granted this also a sign of things like adhd, but across the board I see that the kids with unlimited screen time can’t sit still and pay attention for more than five minutes at a time)

Saying video games references constantly or parroting stuff they hear from YouTube videos. That and teaching classmates those words and phrase that aren’t always appropriate.

No integrity with their chromebooks.

When given free time to read, draw, do word puzzles etc. they refuse cause it doesn’t involve a screen.

Wanting instant gratification. Like if they’re doing a math worksheet, they have to know if they got a problem right instantly and can’t wait till the whole sheet is graded,.

#43

When they say “i saw this thing on TikTok about” and they’re only 5 years old.

Bad sleeping habits/coming in late constantly.

Wanting to talk over others, not understanding social norms

When they tell me they’ve never had a playdate, or that when I ask about when they go to restaurants they just talk about their iPad

Zoning out into space in the middle of doing work. Falling asleep during class.

#44

When you say “you need to put your phone up in the caddy, you can’t keep it at your desk” and the students response is “well, just give me a detention and kick me out.”.

#45

Diagnosing themselves with many mental illnesses.

#46

I taught elementary music. They become bored SO easily and have no attention spans. I will have them listening to a song that’s 1:30 long, and they will complain that it’s “too long”. They are consistently overstimulated by their screens, so non-screen activities are boring to them. It’s really upsetting to watch.

#47

I teach pre-k and the number of parents that are shocked by behaviors because "they never do this at home!" Well at home they never have to interact with anyone because they're always staring at a screen sooooo....

#48

When they get so zoned out in something that that they can't transition to a different activity. Or the kids will try to ask me for help to do something on their Chromebook (Right now we are doing robotics in the library) and then swat my hands away.

#49

If they are not excited about getting out the ipads in school….

#50

Getting twitchy or agitated when I forced them to take out their ear buds.

Immediately taking out the phone as soon as there is a lull or time to work independently.

Fidgeting in their seat when they have to give me attention for more than 2 minutes.

They have to have their phone on their desk (even if it's face down) as a security blanket.

#51

I'm a nontraditional student at the local State U studying Classics. Just here to give you a view down the road a bit. I retired and went back to school for my own interest, not for a career or to find myself lol. The number one thing I notice about my fellow students is a hesitation to make a statement in front of their peers, and an absolute terror of public speaking. I don't know how many presentations I have had to sit through where the presenter stares at the podium, stares at their notes or reads directly from the projection, with almost no acknowledgement of an audience in the lowest voice that they can muster. It's as if they have no knowledge whatsoever of person to person human communication. I'm going to assume that they are used to having a personal buffer when they are online - you don't have to defend a position or listen to someone else's viewpoint.