Sacrificing Learning for Convenience
By: Nasrullah Shaffaq
As a father, educator, and advocate for child development, I have spent years observing the impact of digital technology on students. Parents today fight an uphill battle to limit screen time at home, yet the moment their children step into a classroom, they are surrounded by glowing screens—iPads in nursery school, online learning platforms in primary education, and entire curriculums delivered through screens in secondary school.
Has anyone proven that this relentless shift to EdTech is the best path for learning?
The answer is no.
What started as an exciting innovation has now become an unchecked flood of digital dependency. Schools spend fortunes on devices, software, and training, but the scientific evidence suggests that excessive screen exposure is doing more harm than good.
This article is not an attack on technology. I believe in the power of innovation. But I also believe in balance, in evidence-based decision-making, and in protecting the cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being of our children.
So, let’s take a step back. Let’s look at what the science says, how it aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and—most importantly—what it means for the future of education in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).
What Science tells us about Screens and Learning?
- Do Screens Improve Learning? The Data Says No
In Sweden, a study by the Karolinska Institute found that digital tools impair rather than enhance learning. As a result, Sweden has reversed its EdTech policies, returning to books, paper, and pens.
In the United Kingdom, a large-scale study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that students who use computers very frequently in school perform worse in core subjects like math, science, and reading.
A University of California, Irvine (USA) study showed that multitasking with screens—common in digital classrooms—reduces information retention by nearly 40%.
This is not a small concern. We are witnessing a generation struggling with comprehension, deep thinking, and problem-solving—all critical for success in the real world.
- Screens, Attention Span, and Emotional Regulation
I have met teachers who tell me:
“My students can’t focus for more than 10 minutes at a time anymore.”
It’s not their imagination.
A 2021 study from the National Institutes of Health (USA) found that children who spend more than two hours per day on screens develop thinner cortex regions—the parts of the brain responsible for focus and impulse control.
A Cambridge University (UK) study found that excessive screen time is linked to ADHD-like symptoms, emotional instability, and impulsive behavior in young children.
These findings reflect a simple truth: children’s brains are wired for interactive, hands-on learning. Screens, especially when used excessively, disrupt that process.
- Sleep Disruptions and Mental Health
In Canada, a study by the University of Toronto found that screen exposure before bedtime reduces deep sleep, which is critical for memory formation and emotional well-being.
The World Health Organization (WHO, Switzerland) has issued guidelines warning that excessive screen exposure in children leads to higher rates of anxiety, stress, and depression.
If we don’t regulate screen use, we risk raising a generation of students who are not just distracted but exhausted, anxious, and mentally unprepared for adulthood.
What India’s NEP 2020 Says About EdTech?
India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is clear and forward-thinking. It acknowledges the potential of technology but emphasizes moderation and balance.
The policy states:- Blended Learning: Technology should supplement, not replace, traditional teaching.
– Teacher Training: Teachers should be trained to use EdTech wisely.
– Emphasis on Reading & Writing: Digital content should never replace foundational literacy.
– Digital Wellness Education: Schools should teach students healthy technology habits.
Despite these guidelines, many schools overuse digital tools—often without realizing the risks.
Jammu & Kashmir: Unique Challenges and the Path Forward
I was born and raised in Jammu & Kashmir. I know first-hand the struggles students here face—harsh winters, limited internet access, and a lack of well-equipped schools in remote areas.
Technology could help bridge these gaps—but only if used wisely.
Challenges in J&K
- Unreliable Internet Access – Many schools in remote areas struggle with connectivity, making EdTech inaccessible or ineffective.
- Teacher Shortages – Schools often lack trained educators who can integrate technology responsibly.
- Device Inequality – Not all students can afford tablets or laptops, widening the digital divide.
- No Clear Guidelines – J&K has no formal policy on classroom screen use, leading to inconsistent and unregulated exposure.
Dos and Don’ts for Parents and Schools
For Parents
✔ DO:
– Set screen-time limits (1 hour/day for children under 5, 2 hours/day for ages 6-12).
– Encourage face-to-face interactions, reading, and outdoor play.
– Use educational content selectively and interactively.
✘ DON’T:
– Use screens as a substitute for parenting.
– Allow unsupervised internet browsing.
– Let children use screens before bedtime (it disrupts sleep).
For Schools
✔ DO:
– Implement screen-free learning periods.
– Train teachers on healthy digital practices.
– Use interactive whiteboards and hands-on learning, not just tablets.
✘ DON’T:
– Replace entire curriculums with digital-only content.
– Allow personal smartphones in classrooms.
– Adopt EdTech tools without scientific evidence of their benefits.
A Call to Action: J&K Needs an EdTech Policy
Jammu & Kashmir must develop a formal policy on EdTech use, aligned with NEP 2020. This policy should include:
– Clear screen-time limits in schools.
– Mandatory teacher training in digital learning.
– Research-based EdTech adoption, not vendor-driven decisions.
– Investment in infrastructure, ensuring equal access to quality education.
– Parental education programs on digital wellness.
Technology is a tool, not a teacher. It should empower education, not replace it.
I urge the Jammu & Kashmir government to take immediate action—before we raise a generation more connected to screens than to real learning.
Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Press Pause
I love technology. I love progress. But not at the cost of our children’s future.
The evidence is clear: EdTech has its place, but we must use it wisely. If we don’t, we risk raising a generation that is distracted, emotionally unstable, and academically unprepared.
Let’s do what’s right. Let’s use research, not trends, to shape the future of education.
The well-being of our children depends on it.
(The author is an education consultant, writer, and advocate for child-centered learning. He is passionate about blending technology with traditional education while prioritizing student well-being. He can be reached at [email protected])
