Wondering how to limit screen time in schools? You’re in the right place. While technology, of course, plays an important role in learning and connection, too much screen time can negatively impact children’s physical and mental health.
Here at A&S Landscape, we’re determined to make all staff and pupils thrive with our range of school canopies. In this blog, we’ll tell you about the innovative ways that our canopies can help to limit screen time, making students pay attention to the things that matter the most.
Ready for brighter, more engaged pupils? Then let’s get into it…
Why do we need to reduce screen time?
From a recent report, it was found that teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 years old averaged 8 hours and 39 minutes of media use per day, with 79% of the teens surveyed stating that most of that time is spent on social media. Alongside this, 8-13 year olds average 5 and a half hours of screen media per day.
That’s a lot of hours. Hours which could be spent sleeping, creating, or learning. Some of the main concerns for too much screen time include:
- Eye strain and headaches – Too much screen time can lead to digital eye strain and discomfort, as well as frequent headaches
- Poor sleep quality – Children need a healthy sleep routine. Too much blue light, especially before bedtime, can make it harder for children to fall asleep and stay asleep, meaning they are tired at school
- Reduced physical activity – More time sitting on devices means less time moving, which can contribute to lower fitness levels
- Shortened attention spans – Constant exposure to rapid media can disrupt children’s ability to focus and concentrate during lesson time
- Social & emotional effects – Overuse of screens has been linked to increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and reduced face-to-face interactions
However, screentime isn’t always a bad thing, especially if children are spacing out their time and watching educational videos or socialising with family and friends. When it comes to schools, though, children should arrive with a willingness to learn, without depending on their screens.
How to limit screen time with an outdoor canopy: 5 creative ideas
One of the best things you can do is invest in a school canopy. Whether you’re looking for an early years canopy or a canopy for a college, our extensive selection of canopies, shade sails, and outdoor shelters has been designed to be a space where students can feel inspired and comfortable, even during those harsh weather conditions.
Below, our experts have come up with five ideas to reduce screen time in schools, making lessons and breaktimes more engaging and leaving pupils more focused and less dependent on a screen.
1. Create a storytelling reading nook: Best for early years
Because young people are spending more time on screens, they are spending less time reading, with children’s reading enjoyment falling to the lowest recorded level ever in the UK. One thing that can be great for pupils is to create a cosy reading nook. Decorate with comfy beanbags and lots of cushions, as well as plenty of books that children can easily access. Try to dedicate at least one hour a week to spend time in this space, where you purposefully read a book and immerse pupils in the experience.
We recommend: Our Maxima Umbrella®. Available in a variety of bright colours, the design of this canopy will let children unlock their imagination, acting as a stable, creative environment.
>> Need more inspiration? Read our blog, 5 Outdoor Reading Area Ideas for Schools. <<
2. Create a ‘wet-play’ zone
When it comes to a downpour, it’s easy to restrict pupils indoors and put on a film or an activity that involves looking at a screen. However, just because it’s raining doesn’t mean that children have to have a device thrust into their face. Instead, one of our weather-proof canopies can be the perfect solution. You can still let pupils access the great outdoors while being fully sheltered, allowing them to play with resources like sand pits or small gardens.
We recommend: A Motiva Cantilever™. This design of canopy can be attached directly onto the side of your classroom, letting students access play areas in any month. Choose from a curved or straight roof design.
>> Need ideas for the winter months? Discover our Innovative EYFS Winter Ideas for Outdoor Play. <<
3. Make your own school garden
Another idea that can help to reduce screen time is to create a school garden. It doesn’t have to be big, just a space where pupils can learn about nature and healthy eating. Having a space where they can get their hands dirty and engage in practical learning is a great distraction from screens, and gives them inspiration to find their own hobby outside of school time.
We recommend: A colourful roof canopy. We’ve got plenty of canopies available with bright roofs, an ideal choice for a school garden. The reflective colourful light is a nice addition to brightening up any outdoor space.
>> Find more inspiration by reading our Complete Guide to Setting Up a School Garden. <<
4. Set up an outdoor music area
Something else that might encourage pupils to spend less time on their devices is to create a unique outdoor music area. You can still use a device to play music, but you’re taking that screen time away by getting children to immerse themselves in the listening aspect. And of course, if you have access to instruments, encourage pupils to create their own songs! Let one of our canopies act as centre stage.
We recommend: The Motiva Wave™. This unique design is perfect for bringing rockstar energy, as well as protecting outdoor equipment from weather damage.
>> Read our blog, How to Create an Outdoor Music Area in Schools for more information! <<
5. Expand your outdoor dining space: Best for secondary schools
Installing a covered dining area not only expands your canteen’s capacity and lets pupils eat outdoors, but also encourages face-to-face interactions and social interaction. Where kids might be glued to their phones at lunchtimes at home, either watching a video or scrolling through social media, having a dedicated outdoor dining space lets them enjoy an open-air environment while interacting with their friends.
We recommend: The Motiva Expanse™. It’s multifunctional, fully enclosed, and a cost-effective alternative to a traditional extension. Students can dine, chatter, and socialise as much as they want.
>> Find everything you need, including more product recommendations, by reading our blog: Outdoor Dining Canopy Ideas for Schools. <<
Learning made simple with A&S Landscape
Hopefully, this blog has shown you just how impactful an outdoor canopy can be, especially when it comes to reducing screen time. No matter what reason you decide to invest in a canopy for, our solutions can assist with tech-free outdoor lessons and encourage hands-on learning, without the need for a screen.
At A&S Landscape, we’re passionate about creating exceptional covered spaces for schools. We want to make sure that you get the most out of your canopy, which can even be made bespoke to suit the needs of your school.
Ready to get your canopy project underway? Get in touch with us today or request your free proposal.
