Nord Anglia Education
WRITTEN BY
Nord Anglia
06 May, 2025

Finding the Right Balance: Screen Time for Students at Amman Academy

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In today's digital world, screens are everywhere—from smartphones and tablets to laptops and TVs. While technology offers many educational benefits, it also raises an important question for parents in Jordan: How much screen time is too much for my child?

At Amman Academy, we understand the challenges families face when it comes to managing screen time. With online learning tools, social media, and digital entertainment so accessible, it’s crucial to find a healthy balance that supports students' academic growth and overall wellbeing.

 

Why Screen Time Matters

 

Research shows that excessive screen time can impact children's sleep, concentration, and physical activity levels. It can also affect social skills and emotional regulation—key areas of development, especially in the school years.
But not all screen time is created equal. Educational use, such as learning platforms, reading apps, or creative design tools, can support learning in meaningful ways. It’s about quality as much as quantity.

 

The Jordanian Context
In Jordan, digital access among students is increasing rapidly, particularly in urban areas like Amman. While this brings exciting opportunities, it also makes digital boundaries harder to enforce at home.
“Technology is part of our students’ daily lives—and it’s here to stay,” says Mr. Munzer Fahoum, Principal of Amman Academy. “At our school, we focus on teaching digital responsibility, helping students become not just consumers of technology, but thoughtful, balanced users of it.”

 

Screen Time Guidelines by Age
Although every family is different, global guidelines recommend the following:
Ages 6–10: No more than 1–1.5 hours per day of recreational screen time
Ages 11–18: Up to 2 hours per day of recreational screen time, in addition to necessary use for schoolwork
Importantly, screen time should never replace sleep, physical activity, family interaction, or time outdoors.

 

What You Can Do at Home
As a parent, you play a key role in shaping healthy digital habits. Here are a few tips to help you find the right balance:
Create a family media plan: Set clear rules for when and where screens can be used (e.g., no devices at the dinner table or before bed).
Model healthy behaviour: Children are more likely to follow screen time limits when parents lead by example.
Encourage screen-free time: Promote activities like reading, outdoor play, or creative hobbies.
Talk openly: Discuss with your child how screen time affects them emotionally and physically.

 

A Balanced Approach at Amman Academy
At Amman Academy, we integrate technology meaningfully into the classroom while prioritising balance and wellbeing. Our students are encouraged to be curious, responsible, and mindful about their digital habits—skills that are essential for life in a tech-driven world.

Want to learn more about our approach to digital wellbeing and student development? Get in touch with Amman Academy today or schedule a visit to discover how we help students thrive—online and offline.