Sep 1, 2025
Did you know? Children aged 8–18 spend an average of 7+ hours a day on screens.
At Diyafah International School Abu Dhabi, we believe balance is the key.
Why Screen Time Management Is Crucial for Student Success
Excessive screen time can lead to issues like eye strain, sleep disturbances, reduced concentration, and even increased stress levels. More importantly, it can limit time for face-to-face interactions, physical activity, and mindfulness—all crucial for a student's overall development.
Screen time management tips for students include:
- Setting time limits on recreational screen use.
- Using digital wellbeing apps to monitor screen activity.
- Creating a tech-free zone during meals and before bedtime.
- Scheduling screen-free breaks every 30-60 minutes while studying.
These habits can help students stay focused, reduce stress, and improve their academic performance.
Digital Detox Strategies for Students at Diyafah International School, Abu Dhabi
We recognise the importance of intentional screen breaks and promote digital detox strategies for students across all grades. Our goal is to help students regain control over their digital habits while staying connected to learning in meaningful ways.
Some initiatives include:
- Tech-Free Tuesdays, where classrooms engage in unplugged collaborative activities.
- Mindfulness sessions and yoga classes to encourage presence and self-awareness.
- Outdoor learning opportunities, including eco-education and team sports.
- Workshops and assemblies on digital wellness and cyber safety.
These strategies offer students a refreshing break from screen overload and encourage them to explore offline interests.
Reducing Screen Time in Schools: A Thoughtful Approach
At Diyafah International School Abu Dhabi, reducing screen time doesn't mean eliminating technology—it means using it mindfully and purposefully. Our educators are trained to blend traditional and digital teaching methods, ensuring that screen time is balanced with engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
Teachers incorporate:
- Group discussions and debates that require no devices.
- Printed resources and creative projects to reinforce learning.
- Interactive, low-tech games and storytelling to develop social-emotional skills.
By rethinking the way we integrate technology, we help our students use screens as tools, not crutches.
How our School Promotes a Balanced Digital Lifestyle
Promoting a balanced digital lifestyle is a community-wide effort at Diyafah. We work closely with parents, staff, and students to build awareness around healthy tech habits. Our school's digital citizenship curriculum helps students develop self-regulation and responsibility.
By instilling balance, responsibility, and awareness, we prepare our students to thrive both online and offline.
Final Thought
Digital detox isn't about rejecting technology—it's about using it wisely. At Diyafah International School, we believe that mindful screen time management empowers our students to lead healthier, more focused, and more fulfilling lives.
Let's work together to create a generation that's not only tech-savvy but also digitally balanced.