Why Screentime Isn’t the Problem

5/11/2026

Every family has heard the argument: kids today spend too much time on screens, and it’s ruining their ability to learn.

And so, online education becomes one of the “problems” with our education system.

I have a few problems with this:

When people think of 'online education,' they often remember the emergency work-from-home period we all went through. Almost none of Quebec’s school boards had experience with online learning, so the solution, though well-intentioned, was like putting a Band-Aid on a broken leg. It was tough for kids, and honestly, for everyone.
Many people assume that students who learn online struggle socially, but in reality, many choose this option because their busy social lives leave little time for school. Whether it’s elite athletes, families who love to travel, or students who want to spend evenings with friends without falling behind, most of our students have active relationships both inside and outside the homeschool community. For those who prefer a quieter environment, it’s about finding what works best. Some students need a break from constant crowds, and when they feel safe and secure at school, they are actually more likely to build lasting, meaningful relationships as they grow up.
Not all screen time is created equal. Blaming screentime for bad grades is like blaming food for obesity. What matters is the quality of screen time and how it is adjusted to specific learning needs.

This is where Quebec Online School’s experience makes a difference. We’ve been involved in online learning since the early days of Skype. Our first online classes were in 2004, and since then, we’ve kept improving our tools and teaching methods. Each year, our leadership team reviews what worked, what didn’t, and how we can do better. We stay connected with academic leaders across Canada, the US, and Europe to make sure we’re giving our students the best learning experience possible.

The real issue isn’t screen time itself. What matters is how, why, and for whom it’s used. When online learning is thoughtfully designed, it’s not a compromise—it’s actually an advantage. It offers flexibility, personalization, and access to high-quality teaching that traditional classrooms often can’t match. Instead of focusing on how much time students spend on screens, we should ask what they’re doing, how engaged they are, and if it’s helping them grow. When these things are in place, screen time becomes a powerful tool for learning.

With best wishes for your child’s education,

Sinéad

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