It’s no secret that students are spending more time on screens than ever before. Research shows that over recent years, there’s been a significant increase in the amount of time children and teenagers in the UK spend using digital screens over the past decade. Notably, research suggests a substantial 52% increase in children’s screen time between 2020 and 2022.
Excessive screen time is linked to higher stress levels, poor sleep, and reduced concentration, which can affect both mental well-being and academic performance. With social media, online games, and constant notifications competing for attention, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
That’s where a digital detox comes in. Taking a break from screens can help students regain focus, improve their health, and build stronger real-world connections. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of a digital detox and practical ways students can embrace one.
What is a Digital Detox?
A digital detox is a conscious decision to take a break from screens and digital devices like smartphones, tablets, computers, and TVs. The goal is to unplug from the digital world and reconnect with yourself, others, and the environment around you.
It’s not about completely eliminating technology, rather, it’s about creating a healthier balance. A successful digital detox helps students:
- Reduce screen dependency and improve attention span
- Reconnect with offline hobbies like reading, outdoor activities, and creative pursuits
- Strengthen relationships by prioritising face-to-face interactions over digital communication
- Improve mental and physical well-being by reducing stress and increasing physical activity
Now, let’s dive into the biggest benefits of a digital detox for students.
What Are the Benefits of a Digital Detox?
Taking a break from screens might seem challenging at first, especially when so much of daily life revolves around technology. From schoolwork and socialising to entertainment and relaxation, digital devices are deeply integrated into students’ routines. However, excessive screen time can have a negative impact on mental health, sleep, focus, and even physical well-being.
A digital detox allows students to step back from the constant online noise, helping them regain control over their time and habits. It encourages more meaningful real-world interactions, better sleep patterns, and improved productivity, all of which contribute to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
But what exactly are the benefits of reducing screen time? Let’s explore how a digital detox can positively impact students’ well-being, academic performance, and overall happiness.
1. Improves Sleep
Many students struggle with getting enough quality sleep, and excessive screen time is often to blame. This is because screens emit blue light, which suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for making you feel sleepy.
When students use screens late at night, whether scrolling through social media or watching videos, their brains remain stimulated and alert, making it harder to wind down. Over time, this can lead to:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Poor sleep quality
- Daytime fatigue and reduced concentration
By taking a break from screens, especially an hour before bed, students can fall asleep faster, sleep more deeply, and wake up feeling refreshed.
2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Constant notifications, online pressures, and the need to stay connected can be overwhelming. Social media, in particular, can create unrealistic expectations by highlighting reels of others’ lives, leading to comparison culture and low self-esteem.
Additionally, students are often exposed to negative news, arguments, and cyberbullying online, all of which contribute to higher stress and anxiety levels.
A digital detox helps by:
- Reducing exposure to negative online content
- Breaking the habit of constantly checking social media for validation
- Allowing students to focus on mindfulness, relaxation, and real-world interactions
Without the constant pressure to be online, students can feel more present, less anxious, and mentally refreshed.
3. Enhances Focus and Academic Performance
One of the biggest challenges students face is staying focused on their studies. With social media, gaming, and streaming platforms readily available, it’s easy to get distracted, often without realising just how much time has passed.
Research suggests that switching between tasks, such as checking notifications while studying, can reduce productivity by up to 40%. This is because the brain takes time to re-adjust after every interruption, making it harder to retain information.
By removing digital distractions, students can:
- Improve their ability to concentrate for longer periods
- Complete tasks more efficiently
- Retain information more effectively
- Reduce procrastination and last-minute stress
This ultimately leads to better academic performance and a more structured approach to learning.
4. Strengthens Real-Life Relationships
With so much of today’s communication happening online, many students find themselves spending less time in face-to-face interactions. This can lead to weaker social skills, reduced confidence, and a sense of isolation.
A digital detox encourages students to:
- Engage in meaningful conversations with friends and family
- Develop better listening skills by being fully present in discussions
- Strengthen their social confidence by practising real-world interactions
Face-to-face connections are essential for emotional well-being, helping students build stronger, more supportive relationships that last beyond the screen.
Want more insights? Read our latest blog on the importance of relationship-building!
5. Improves Physical Health
Excessive screen time isn’t just a concern for mental well-being, it can also take a toll on physical health. Many students experience eye strain from prolonged screen exposure, headaches from extended digital use, and poor posture from hunching over devices for long periods. Additionally, spending too much time on screens often means less movement, leading to lower fitness levels.
A digital detox encourages students to:
- Give their eyes a break, reducing discomfort and digital eye strain
- Improve posture by sitting in healthier positions and avoiding slouching
- Stay active with outdoor activities like walking, cycling, or playing sports
Regular physical activity is linked to better mood, improved energy levels, and higher self-esteem, making it a key benefit of a digital detox.
6. Encourages Mindfulness and Creativity
Digital distractions make it harder to be fully present in the moment. A digital detox allows students to slow down and focus on activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as:
- Reading books instead of scrolling through feeds
- Exploring creative hobbies like drawing, writing, or playing an instrument
- Practicing mindfulness through meditation, deep breathing, or journaling
By replacing screen time with enriching offline experiences, students can feel more fulfilled, less stressed, and more in control of their time.
How Can Teachers Help Students with a Digital Detox?
Encouraging students to take a break from screens can be challenging, especially when technology is such a big part of their daily lives. However, teachers can play a crucial role in guiding students towards healthier digital habits by introducing small, manageable changes in the classroom and beyond.
Here are some effective ways teachers can support and inspire students to reduce their screen time:
1. Start Small and Set Clear Goals
A full digital detox might seem overwhelming, so encourage students to start small. Help them set achievable goals, such as:
- A few hours of screen-free time each evening
- One full screen-free day per week
- A weekend challenge to reduce screen use
You could even turn it into a classroom challenge, where students track their progress and reflect on how reducing screen time makes them feel.
2. Create Tech-Free Zones
Establishing screen-free areas can make it easier for students to disconnect from digital devices. Encourage them to set boundaries by making certain spaces tech-free, such as:
- The bedroom (to improve sleep quality)
- The dining table (to encourage family conversations)
- Study spaces (to boost focus and minimise distractions)
Teachers can also implement tech-free periods in the classroom, such as device-free discussions, reading time, or creative activities that don’t rely on screens.
3. Encourage Offline Activities
When students rely on screens for entertainment, they may struggle to find other ways to fill their time. Teachers can introduce alternative activities that help shift their focus away from digital devices, such as:
- Reading for pleasure (start a book club or set up a reading challenge)
- Creative projects (art, music, writing, or drama)
- Outdoor activities (gardening, team sports, nature walks, or PE challenges)
By making these activities engaging, students will be less tempted to default to screen-based entertainment.
4. Help Students Set Social Media Boundaries
Social media can be one of the biggest distractions for students. Instead of expecting them to quit entirely, teachers can guide them towards healthier usage habits, such as:
- Scheduling specific times to check social media to avoid mindless scrolling
- Turning off unnecessary notifications to reduce distractions
- Unfollowing accounts that cause stress or comparison
Teachers can also facilitate classroom discussions on digital well-being, helping students recognise how social media affects their emotions and giving them strategies to manage it.
5. Teach Students to Use Technology Wisely
Ironically, technology can also help students reduce their screen time. Introduce them to helpful apps that promote better digital habits, such as:
- Screen Time (Apple) or Digital Wellbeing (Android) to track usage
- Focus apps like Forest or StayFree, which reward students for staying off their phones
- Mindfulness and relaxation apps to encourage better screen-time balance
Teachers can also model healthy tech use by demonstrating when and why screens are helpful, and when it’s beneficial to unplug.
6. Encourage Accountability and Group Support
Students are more likely to stick to a digital detox when they feel supported. Encourage them to:
- Pair up with a ‘detox buddy’ for accountability
- Share their experiences and reflect on how they feel after reducing screen time
- Celebrate small wins, such as completing a weekend detox challenge
By fostering a classroom culture that values balance, teachers can help students develop lifelong habits for healthier screen use.
Digitally detox on an outdoor residential trip!
Looking for a fun and effective way to do a digital detox? Go on a PGL residential school trip!
Our new THRIVE! programme is designed to help your student’s physical well-being, social skills, and overall personal development through a wide range of exciting adventurous activities, including yoga, forest bathing, creative music sessions and much more.
To find out more, get in touch with us today and we’ll help you plan an unforgettable experience for your primary or secondary class!
