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Screen Time vs. Brain Time: How to Balance Technology During Summer
Screen Time vs. Brain Time: How to Balance Technology During Summer
Summer brings longer days, fewer schedules, and more opportunities for children to relax.
Unfortunately, it also often brings a significant increase in screen time.
Without the structure of the school day, many children spend hours scrolling social media, watching videos, playing games, or switching between apps. While technology certainly has its benefits, too much passive screen time can crowd out activities that are essential for healthy cognitive development.
The goal is not to eliminate technology.
The goal is to create balance.
At Best Brains, we encourage families to think about summer as a balance between screen time and brain time—making sure children continue engaging in activities that strengthen focus, memory, creativity, and critical thinking.
Not All Screen Time Is Created Equal
When parents hear warnings about screen time, it can sometimes feel unrealistic.
Technology is part of modern life.
Children use screens for:
- Learning
- Communication
- Creativity
- Entertainment
The bigger concern is not simply the amount of screen time, but how that time is being used.
Passive activities such as endless scrolling, short-form videos, and constant entertainment provide little opportunity for deep thinking.
In contrast, activities that require concentration, problem solving, creativity, or learning tend to engage the brain in more meaningful ways.
The Attention Challenge
One of the biggest concerns researchers and educators have about excessive screen use is its effect on attention.
Many digital platforms are designed to:
- Deliver constant novelty
- Encourage rapid switching between tasks
- Provide immediate rewards
Over time, children can become accustomed to high levels of stimulation.
As a result, activities that require sustained focus—such as reading, solving math problems, writing, or studying—may begin to feel more difficult.
This does not mean technology is harmful by itself.
It simply means children benefit from regular opportunities to practice concentration in other ways.
Why Brain Time Matters
Brain time includes activities that actively engage the mind rather than simply entertain it.
Examples include:
- Reading books
- Solving math problems
- Learning coding skills
- Practicing mental math
- Writing stories
- Building projects
- Playing strategy games
- Engaging in thoughtful conversations
These activities strengthen important cognitive abilities such as:
- Working memory
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Focus
- Creativity
Just as physical exercise strengthens muscles, mental exercise strengthens the brain.
Summer Is a Critical Time for Brain Development
Many parents view summer as a break from learning.
In reality, the brain continues developing all year long.
Children who spend the summer:
- Reading regularly
- Practicing math
- Learning new skills
- Solving problems
Often enter the next school year with stronger academic readiness and greater confidence.
Meanwhile, children who spend most of their free time consuming entertainment may experience learning loss and reduced academic stamina.
Creating a Healthy Balance
The goal is not perfection.
Parents do not need to eliminate screens or constantly entertain their children with educational activities.
Instead, consider creating a simple balance:
For every period of screen time, encourage some form of brain time.
This might include:
- Reading for 20 minutes
- Completing a math activity
- Working on a coding project
- Practicing public speaking
- Solving puzzles
Small daily habits add up over time.
How Best Brains Supports Brain Time
At Best Brains, our programs are designed to provide the kind of mental exercise that helps students continue growing throughout the summer.
Students engage in:
- Daily math and English practice
- Critical thinking activities
- Coding instruction
- Abacus training
- Public speaking opportunities
These activities help students stay mentally active while still enjoying their summer break.
Most importantly, they continue developing the skills that support long-term academic success.
Final Thoughts
Technology is not the enemy.
In fact, many digital tools can support learning and creativity.
The challenge is ensuring that screens do not replace the activities that help children develop focus, confidence, and critical thinking skills.
This summer, strive for balance.
Make room for fun, relaxation, and technology—but also make room for brain time.
The habits children build today can have a lasting impact on their academic success tomorrow.
References & Further Reading
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents. School-Aged Children and Adolescents.
- Twenge, J. M. (2017). iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy—and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood.
- Christakis, D. A. (2018). Interactive media use at younger than the age of 2 years. Pediatrics, 138(5).
- Willingham, D. T. (2009). Why Don't Students Like School? Jossey-Bass.
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Resources on cognitive development, attention, and learning.
