Well-Being & Balance for Teens: Screen Time, Sleep, Stress and School Life

FUEL
1 day ago
2 min read

Between homework, social media, and streaming, screens are a huge part of teen life. Finding the right balance can make a big difference to mental health and academic performance. At Fuel Education, we want students and parents to have simple, realistic strategies to support well-being both online and offline.

Why Balance Matters

Excessive screen time—especially before bedtime—can negatively impact focus, mood, and sleep quality. Teens require adequate rest, physical activity, and offline interactions to maintain their health and readiness to learn.

Eye Health Facts

Increased Risk of Myopia: A study involving over 335,000 participants found that each additional hour of screen time increases the risk of developing myopia (nearsightedness) by approximately 21%. (The Guardian)
Digital Eye Strain Symptoms: Excessive screen use can lead to digital eye strain, causing symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. (Verywell Health)

Impact on Short-Term Memory

Prolonged screen time, particularly late at night, can impair cognitive functions such as attention, working memory, and information processing speed. This is due to the overstimulation of brain regions responsible for cognitive control and emotional regulation. (Nature)

Our No-Phone Policy: Enhancing Engagement

At Fuel Education, we implement a strict no-phone policy during school hours. This approach helps students:

Stay focused during lessons
Engage more effectively in classroom activities
Participate in meaningful face-to-face interactions
Reduce distractions and stress associated with social media

By limiting screen exposure during school hours, we aim to foster a more conducive learning environment.

Practical Tips for Students

Set Digital Limits: Avoid screens at least 30 minutes (or more) before bedtime.
Take Regular Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 8–10 hours of sleep per night; keep devices out of the bedroom.
Stay Active: Engage in daily physical activity to reduce stress and improve mood.

How Parents Can Support Balance

Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate areas, like the dining room, as screen-free zones during meals.
Model Healthy Habits: Demonstrate balanced screen use and regular breaks.
Encourage Open Dialogue: Discuss the pressures of online life and social media with your teen.
Recognise the Need for Downtime: Understand when your teen requires rest or offline activities, not just study time.