Teachers say screen addiction is weakening children’s muscles, leaving them unable to sit or learn effectively in class.
Primary school teachers and experts in the UK are warning that excessive screen use is leaving children physically unable to sit comfortably in class. A survey by Outdoor Toys found that 26% of five to 12-year-olds spend three or more hours daily on tablets or smartphones, with 7% exceeding five hours. Meanwhile, 30% get little to no outdoor play on most days.
Michelle Windridge, a Birmingham teacher with 20 years’ experience, said: “iPads are really convenient, but they don’t develop children’s muscles, growth and motor skills like play does.” She noted that basic abilities such as holding pencils and sitting upright must now be taught.
Dr Tej Samani of Performance Learning described the trend as “one of the biggest shifts” in classrooms, warning it damages posture, energy, and confidence.
Experts urge balancing screen time with physical play, or risk long-term impacts on children’s education and health.