How Technology Contributed to School Readiness Challenges Post-Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns disrupted nearly every facet of life, especially for young children. Among the many challenges faced, one issue has become increasingly apparent: many children entering reception are not “school ready.” While this is largely attributed to a lack of social interaction and structured learning opportunities during lockdowns, technology has played a significant role—both as a helpful tool and a contributor to the problem.

This article explores how overexposure to technology and its impact on parenting have compounded these challenges, and what can be done to strike a healthier balance.

The Double-Edged Sword of Technology

During the pandemic, technology emerged as a critical lifeline. It kept businesses running, enabled virtual classrooms, and allowed families to stay connected. But for young children, the reliance on screens during formative years has had unintended consequences.

1. Overexposure to Screens

Children spent an unprecedented amount of time in front of screens during lockdowns. While screens provided some learning opportunities, excessive exposure came at a cost:

• Reduced Attention Span: Many apps and videos cater to fast-paced, highly stimulating content. While engaging, this can hinder a child’s ability to focus on slower, more structured activities, such as those required in a classroom setting.

• Delayed Language Development: Screen-based activities offer limited opportunities for meaningful, two-way communication. This lack of interaction can slow the development of critical speech and language skills.

• Physical Development Concerns: Time spent on screens often replaces physical activities that help develop fine and gross motor skills, such as drawing, climbing, or playing outdoors.

2. Technology as a Parenting Tool

The pandemic placed enormous pressure on parents. With many juggling remote work, homeschooling older children, and managing household responsibilities, screens became a go-to solution for keeping younger children occupied.

While understandable, this overreliance on screens created unintended challenges:

• Reduced Parent-Child Interaction: Parents, stretched thin, often lacked the time to engage in enriching activities like storytelling, arts and crafts, or imaginative play. These interactions are crucial for a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.

• Modeling Technology Habits: Children often mirror their parents’ behavior. When parents turned to screens for work or stress relief, children learned to view technology as a primary source of engagement.

3. Disrupted Family Routines

The constant availability of screens disrupted key aspects of family life:

• Sleep Patterns: Excessive screen time, particularly before bed, interfered with sleep routines. Poor sleep impacts attention, memory, and emotional regulation—skills essential for school readiness.

• Loss of Structure: The pandemic blurred boundaries between work, play, and rest. Without structured routines, children found it harder to adapt to the rhythms of a school day.

4. Educational Apps: A Mixed Bag

During lockdowns, many parents turned to educational apps, believing they would adequately prepare their children for school. While some apps provide valuable learning experiences, they have limitations:

• Limited Engagement: Many apps focus on passive learning, which lacks the interactive, hands-on experiences necessary for young children.

• False Sense of Security: Parents may mistakenly assume that app-based learning replaces the need for activities like reading together or playing with tactile toys.

5. Behavioral Challenges and Social Isolation

The pandemic’s technology-heavy environment also created behavioral challenges:

• Dependency on Screens: Some children developed habits akin to screen addiction, making it difficult for them to engage in non-digital activities that require patience and creativity.

• Missed Social Opportunities: While video calls and virtual playdates helped bridge the gap, they couldn’t replicate the richness of face-to-face interactions. As a result, many children missed out on learning critical social skills, like sharing, turn-taking, and managing conflict.

Moving Forward: Striking a Balance

The solution isn’t to vilify technology but to use it wisely. By balancing screen time with meaningful, real-world interactions, parents, educators, and policymakers can help children catch up and thrive in school.

For Parents:

• Limit Screen Time: Follow age-appropriate guidelines, such as no more than one hour per day for children aged 2-5. Prioritize screen-free activities that foster creativity and physical activity.

• Be Present: Engage in interactive activities like reading, building with blocks, or playing outside. These moments of connection are irreplaceable.

• Model Healthy Habits: Children emulate what they see. Establish tech-free zones or times, such as during meals or bedtime.

For Educators:

• Focus on Hands-On Learning: Reception classes should emphasize play-based and exploratory activities to help children develop motor skills, focus, and problem-solving abilities.

• Support Social and Emotional Growth: Incorporate activities that build teamwork, resilience, and empathy, helping children adapt to group settings.

For Policymakers:

• Invest in Early Years Programs: Additional funding for nurseries and reception classes can provide targeted support for children most affected by the pandemic.

• Parental Education Campaigns: Public campaigns can raise awareness about the effects of excessive screen time and offer resources for creating balanced routines.

The Road Ahead

Technology is an integral part of modern life, and its role in early childhood education will only grow. The key is to leverage its benefits without letting it overshadow other critical aspects of development. By combining the advantages of digital tools with traditional, interactive learning methods, we can ensure that the next generation is not only school ready but future ready.

Editor’s Note: As we navigate this tech-driven world, let’s remember that the most impactful learning happens through connection—with people, experiences, and the world around us.