Susan Dunaway urges Kansas education board to limit student screen time impacts

The Kansas State Board of Education convened on April 9, 2025, to address pressing concerns regarding the impact of screen time on students' mental health and educational outcomes. The meeting featured a compelling presentation by Susan Dunaway, a licensed clinical professional counselor and co-founder of Amend NeuroCounseling, who highlighted the detrimental effects of excessive screen exposure in educational settings.

Dunaway, who has been a therapist since the late 1990s, emphasized that the increasing reliance on technology in classrooms is leading to significant emotional and behavioral issues among students. She cited alarming statistics, noting a nearly 50% rise in self-harm incidents among youth since 2015 and a dramatic increase in diagnoses of major depressive episodes. Dunaway argued that the brain's response to screens can mirror that of substance abuse, leading to diminished critical thinking skills and increased risky behaviors among students.

During her presentation, Dunaway advocated for a moderation approach to technology use in schools, recommending that screen time—including homework—be limited to no more than two hours per day. She urged the board to implement policies that would allow parents to opt out of excessive screen use for their children and called for educational initiatives to inform both staff and parents about the potential harms of technology.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of educational technology (EdTech) and its role in exacerbating these issues. Dunaway challenged the notion that technology is essential for modern education, referencing tech executives who choose to send their children to schools without screens. She stressed the importance of critical thinking and attention control, suggesting that schools should prioritize teaching students how to engage with technology responsibly rather than relying on it as a primary educational tool.

Board members expressed their concerns and support for Dunaway's insights, with some advocating for a return to more traditional teaching methods that emphasize direct engagement and critical thinking. The conversation highlighted a growing recognition of the need for a balanced approach to technology in education, one that prioritizes students' mental health and cognitive development.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the Kansas State Board of Education is at a crossroads regarding the integration of technology in classrooms. The discussions underscored the urgent need for policies that protect students from the potential harms of excessive screen time while still embracing the benefits of technology in a measured and thoughtful manner. The board's next steps will likely involve further exploration of these issues and the development of strategies to foster healthier interactions with technology in educational settings.