WORKSHEET 2
Title 2 The impact of screen time on academic
performance in South Africa.
Identified Problem Prolonged screen time can impair cognitive abilities
which may result in poor academic performance.
(Pillay, 2019)
Keywords, descriptive Screentime, Academic performance, South Africa
words
Source 1 According to (Catherine Daper, 2019), it was found
that spending too much time on screens is linked to
lower academic performance. This is because
excessive screen time takes away from more
valuable activities such as reading and learning
school material.
Source 2 According to (Urvashi Gupta, 2023), research has
consistently shown that spending too much time on
screens can harm academic performance. For
example, watching TV for an hour or more every
day can affect students' overall ability to perform
well in school, leading to lower grades. In contrast,
students who limit their screen time to less than an
hour or don't use screens at all tend to achieve
higher academic scores. The evidence suggests
that excessive screen time can have a negative
impact on students' academic performance in South
Africa. To address this issue, parents, teachers, and
policymakers must promote responsible screen use
habits and encourage students to balance screen
time with other activities that support learning and
growth
Can you confirm then that Yes, it is a real problem as research has shown that
your statement is a real
there’s a correlation between prolonged screen
problem?
exposure and diminished cognitive abilities,
including thinking, processing, concentration,
memory, problem-solving skills and ultimately
impacting academic achievement. (Mda, 2020)
Complete the problem Determining what qualifies as ‘screen time’ is
statement by considering:
a nuanced issue. Various screen activities,
What are the
problems related to such as educational and recreational use,
the study?
may have distinct impacts, yet research often
Why is there a
problem? struggles to account for these subtle
Who is affected by
differences.
the problem?
Where does the There is a problem as screentime has
problem exist?
become a prevailing concern in students
What kind of
solutions could be daily routine. As a result, imperative activities
considered?
such as studying, sleep along with physical
exercise are thus compromised which leads
on to a concerning impact on their academic
performance and overall well-being.
Pupils in South Africa ranging from primary
school to university level are the primary
focus as they are the ones affected.
This issue is present among various
educational institutions in South Africa, both
rural and urban areas, especially areas with
good internet connection and high access to
digital devices.
Design standardized surveys to collect data
on screen time habits, academic
achievements, and other influential factors,
such as socioeconomic status and mental
well-being. Employ a quantitative survey data
to gain a more nuanced understanding of the
complex relationships at play. (Maharaji.A,
2020)
Bibliography
Gupta, S., 2022. The Impact of Digital Technology on Education in South
Africa, Johannesburg: University of the Witwatersand .
Puckree.T, M. a., 2020. The impact of screen time on the cognitive and
socio-emotional development of children: a South. Journal of Child and
Adolescent Mental Health., 32(no 1), pp. 1-9.
Dube, N., 2025. The impact of excessive screen time on youth health.. 6
January, p. 3.
Mda, T. V. a. N. M., 2020. The effects of screen time on the academic
performance of primary school learners in South Africa.. Journal of
Educational Studies, 19(1), pp. 1-12.
Pillay, J., 2019. The impact of screen time on the cognitive development of
children in South Africa.. South African Journal of Education, 39(1), pp. 1-9.
Maharaji.A, P. a., 2020. The impact of screen time on the academic
performance of primary school learners.. South African Journal of
Education, 40(1), pp. 1-9.
Catherine Daper, J. J. R., 2019. The conversation. [Online]
Available at: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/message/19:272faed8-32f6-
4f47-8977-174546bce370_ee6b749a-7524-4023-9c4a-
53dc4b15ece7@unq.gbl.spaces/1740735376586?context=%7B
%22contextType%22%3A%22chat%22%7D
[Accessed 2 March 2025].
Urvashi Gupta, N. F., 2023. Research Gate. [Online]
Available at:
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/message/48:notes/1740904567061?
context=%7B%22contextType%22%3A%22chat%22%7D
[Accessed 2 March 2025].
