About the Debate
The integration of digital technology into the daily lives of children and adolescents has ignited a significant public debate. In Norway, this led to the appointment of a "Screen Use Committee" ("skjermbrukutvalget"), whose recent report highlighted the possible negative effects of screen time and provided several recommendations.
In a review paper, we critically assessed the existing evidence supporting specific screen time guidelines, arguing that this foundation is "shaky." We identified several limitations, including reliance on small sample sizes, a high risk of bias in studies, the prevalence of correlational data rather than causal findings, and issues with measurement reliability.
Consequently, we advocate for a fundamental shift in the public discourse. Instead of focusing on simply limiting screen time, the conversation should prioritize fostering digital competence. We argue that cultivating digital literacy among learners, educators, and parents is more crucial than ever. This is due to technology's pervasive and rapidly evolving role in both education and society, underscoring the importance of understanding how to use screens beneficially and critically.
More information
This paper is part of a special issue on screen time that was published in the Nordic Journal of Digital Literacy, https://doi.org/10.18261/njdl.20.1.6