Over the past few years, there’s been a growing conversation among parents, educators, and healthcare professionals about screen time and its effects on kids. With the rise of smartphones, streaming platforms, social media, and digital learning tools, screens are a significant part of modern childhood—and that’s prompted important questions:
How much screen time is too much? Is online school healthy? How can I protect my child’s well-being in a digital world?
If you’re exploring online education, especially for Christian families who value intentional living and strong relationships, we know how important those questions are to your family. One of the big misconceptions about online education is that your child might be in front of a computer screen for 8 hours a day instead of a traditional classroom. While every child and course load are unique that’s generally not the case. Regardless, it’s still screen time – so what does that mean for your child?
Not All Screen Time Is Created Equal
Most of the research affirms limiting screen time for kids under the age of 5 but there also seems to be a scale based on the type of content being viewed. A 2019 study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity examined different categories of screen time and their effects on children. It found:
- Passive screen time (like watching television) was associated with worse outcomes across the board.
- Educational screen time (like using a computer for schoolwork) was linked to positive academic outcomes and showed no negative impact on emotional or behavioral well-being.
- Interactive screen time (like video games) had a mixed effect—some educational benefits, but negative associations in other areas.
In short, the type of screen time matters just as much as the amount. Learning online is not the same as scrolling on a phone and shouldn’t be treated the same way. A 2025 CNN Health article echoes this idea, reporting on a JAMA Pediatrics study that explored how screen use relates to children’s emotional regulation. The researchers found that negative effects were most commonly linked to screen time used for emotional avoidance—for example, retreating into games instead of talking about feelings. Children who had personal devices without boundaries were more vulnerable to these challenges.
What Online School Looks Like at Sevenstar
Unlike virtual classrooms, our asynchronous format means your child isn’t locked into hours of continuous screen time. On average, a student taking a full course load over a traditional 180-day academic year spends 3 to 5 hours per day engaged in online coursework. Moreover, they can engage with lessons at their own pace and take breaks when they need to. While quizzes and tests do need to be completed once started, the rest of the course content is flexible, allowing families to fit learning into their day in a way that works best for them.
Our Program Prioritizes:
- Active learning: Students are reading, writing, analyzing, and engaging—not passively watching.
- Personal pacing: Asynchronous learning allows students to take breaks, exercise, or explore other interests throughout the day.
- Teacher interaction: Certified Christian educators give feedback, encouragement, and guidance as students progress.
- Flexible schedules: Our model allows families to create routines that support rest, creativity, family time, and spiritual growth.
Whether your child is pursuing a full diploma or taking individual classes, they’ll experience a school day that’s adaptable to their needs.
Because Every Family Has a Story
Every family comes to online education with a different story—and we believe that matters. Some families enroll with us because they live in remote or international locations where high-quality Christian education isn’t available locally. Others are navigating medical challenges, mental health concerns, or life circumstances that make traditional school schedules difficult.
Still others choose online education for its ability to offer personalized, faith-integrated learning that aligns with their values and priorities and allows their child(ren) to more easily participate in extracurricular activities.
We understand that screen time might feel like a trade-off, but with the right tools, boundaries, and support, it doesn’t have to be a compromise. In fact, it can be a meaningful part of a balanced, thriving academic and family life.
How to Support Healthy Screen Use at Home
Regardless of the types of screen time a child engages in there are some general practices that can help reduce any physical issues due.
Eye Health & Physical Well-Being
Based on guidance from the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS), here are some ways to reduce eye strain and encourage healthy posture:
- Use the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Keep screens at eye level and about an arm’s length away.
- Avoid screen glare and adjust brightness to match the lighting in the room.
- Encourage movement breaks every hour and include outdoor time in the daily routine.
Protecting Sleep
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that families establish screen-free routines to support sleep and mental health:
- Avoid screens at least one hour before bedtime.
- Keep devices out of bedrooms during sleeping hours.
- Use bedtime as a screen-free opportunity for connection—reading Scripture, praying, or talking about the day.
Encouraging Emotional and Spiritual Health
Screens should never be a substitute for emotional support. Consider these habits:
- Check in with your child about how they’re feeling—not just what they’re watching or working on.
- Build a Family Media Plan that outlines boundaries for both entertainment and school-related screen time.
- Designate tech-free zones, such as the dinner table, the car, or family worship time.
- Encourage a variety of offline activities: reading, playing music, gardening, or simply spending time in God’s creation.
Final Thoughts: A Tool with Purpose
As parents it’s natural to approach technology with a healthy dose of discernment. Screen time raises real questions about balance, values, and how to guide children in a digital age. These concerns aren’t overreactions; they’re reflections of deep care and wisdom. At the same time, it’s helpful to see technology not as something to fear, but as something to steward. When used intentionally, it can become a powerful tool for learning, connection, and even spiritual growth.
At Sevenstar, we believe screen time can be meaningful and mission minded. It can help students explore God’s world, develop their gifts, and pursue excellence—academically and personally—while also making space for rest, relationships, and real-life experiences offline. It also opens the doors to possibilities that might not be possible in a traditional classroom for students with unique circumstances.
We’re honored to partner with you as you seek what’s best for your child. Screen time is just one piece of the bigger picture and together, we can help students thrive in both their faith and their future.
Sources
Domingues-Montanari, S., et al. (2019). Different types of screen time and their association with children’s academic, behavioral and emotional outcomes. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.
Alaimo, K. (2025). Screen time and emotional problems in children. CNN Health.
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Screen Time & Online Learning.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Screen Time at School – Q&A
Kristy Henriques is the Director of New Business Development at Sevenstar, where she works with schools and families to expand access to biblically integrated, academically rigorous online courses for K–12 students. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and a master’s degree in marketing, and brings over a decade of experience in Christian nonprofit communications and leadership.