‘Childhood is being eroded by screens,’ warns education expert

Children are spending more time on screens than ever, but a growing number are rediscovering the joys of real-world play, creativity, and adventure.

New insights suggest that the upcoming Gen Alpha generation may be thinking differently about how they want to spend their free time.

An analysis by Pipers Corner School of a report by GWI (Global Web Index) has revealed that Gen Alpha, aged between 8 and 15, are rediscovering the joys of offline life, at a time when parents and educators are becoming increasingly alarmed about excessive screen exposure.

44% of children in this age group prefer watching movies in the cinema.

15% of kids enjoy leaving the house to see friends at the weekend.

13% of children enjoy going on walking holidays, exploring the outdoors.

11% of young people said they enjoy physical education and say it is their favourite activity.

There has been a 17% decline in parents describing the children’s internet usage as heavy.

Excessive screen time has been recently linked to poor heart health, reduced sleep, reduced physical fitness, heightened anxiety, and weaker social skills, making it more important than ever to encourage children to unplug and engage with the real world.

This cultural shift aligns with the rise of the Smartphone Free Childhood Movement, which encourages families and schools to delay smartphone access and prioritise real-world development over digital dependency.

Headmistress Helen Ness-Gifford from Pipers Corner School explains the importance of managing screen time and establishing boundaries, “Childhood is being eroded by screens.  Smartphones take time away from exploration, creativity, and real-world social interaction. We believe in giving children the space to learn, play, and grow without constant digital distraction. Pipers Corner School operates a phone-free policy to support this approach.

We see first-hand that children thrive when screens are limited. When given space away from devices, they become more confident, resilient, imaginative, and socially capable. A childhood dominated by screens is not an inevitable future, it is a choice adults can still prevent.

“Schools have a vital role not just in restricting screen time, but in educating young people on how to navigate the online world safely. As children grow, they need guidance to develop their own digital values and boundaries, aligned with their emotional intelligence. Teaching responsible and mindful use of technology empowers them to make choices that protect their wellbeing while still enjoying digital life.”