Balancing Technology and Learning at School
At PVMS, we celebrate the many strengths of the Montessori approach- hands-on work, meaningful interaction, deep concentration, and rich language development. At the same time, we live in a digital age in which children are exposed to screens, apps, and devices from a very young age. Research increasingly shows that technology use in childhood can have both benefits and significant challenges, especially if not balanced thoughtfully.
What the research tells us
A recent review found that while digital tools can support learning and social connection, excessive or poorly regulated use of screens is associated with lower verbal intelligence, attention difficulties, and slower development of executive and emotional-regulation functions.
Another article notes that modern children frequently spend less time in direct social interaction and more time with screens, which may reduce opportunities to develop communication, self-regulation, and face-to-face social skills.
From the American Psychological Association (APA) guidance: it’s not just “how much” screen time, but “how” the screen time is used. They empathize quality (what children are doing) and context (who they are with, what they are learning), rather than setting strict time-limits for all ages.
The research also makes clear that screens may crowd out other essential activities- such as physical movement, imaginative play, human conversation, reading aloud, and hands-on exploration; all of which are foundational to healthy childhood development.
Why this matters in the Montessori environment
In a Montessori classroom, children are empowered to choose work, follow the process, concentrate, self-correct, collaborate, and develop independence. When screen time dominates outside of school, children may come into the classroom with reduced stamina for concentration, fewer opportunities for unstructured social interaction, or less experience in real-world tasks and language-rich conversation.
At PVMS, our commitment is to support children in becoming effective learners and joyful community members. We know they thrive when they engage in real materials, deep conversation, self-chosen tasks, peer collaboration, and teacher-led conversation. When digital media is used at home without boundaries, those rich experiences can become harder to access.
What parents can do at home
Prioritize real-world interaction. Encourage device-free times such as mealtimes, bedtime routines, outdoor play, reading aloud, or conversation walks. Research shows that the richest brain development and language growth happens when adults are present and interacting with children- not when children passively watch screens.
Be intentional about screen content and context. When children do engage with technology, choose high-quality, interactive, educational materials, and wherever possible participate alongside your child. This kind of shared engagement supports learning far better than solitary consumption.
Set clear boundaries and rhythms. For example:
Designate screen-free zones (e.g., bedrooms, dinner table).
Have unplugged times each day- prioritizing reading, free play, art, movement.
Turn off screens at least one hour before bedtime to protect sleep, which is essential for attention, memory, and self-regulation.
Model healthy media habits. Children learn by watching adult behavior. If adults are often on phones or tablets during family time, children receive the implicit message that device use is primary. Choose times to model focused, undistracted engagement.
Support self-regulation and independence. In the Montessori classroom, children learn to focus, choose, correct, and persist. At tome, limiting screens gives children more opportunity for independent play, reflection, creativity, and real-world problem solving- all experiences that strengthen the very habits we nurture at school.
Technology is not inherently “bad”- it’s a part of our world, and it can support learning. But like any tool, its value depends on how it is used and balanced with other developmental priorities. At PVMS, we aim to partner with you in helping children build concentration, collaboration, curiosity, language, motor skill development, and social-emotional strength.