Steiner educators have long been aware of the harmful effects of screen time on a developing child. The rapid flashing of two-dimensional electronic images impairs the senses, which are best developed when a child experiences the natural environment. Additionally, the act of sitting and watching a screen has little to do with the natural instinct of childhood, and for many parent of teens, the highly addictive nature of technology is becoming uncomfortably apparent. 

While these beliefs were once rather counter-culture, it is perhaps both heartening and concerning that more and more research seems to be coming to the fore on just how dangerous screen time really is for children. Earlier this month, the Guardian published an article reviewing the findings of a recent study. It was found that the average toddler is missing out on hearing more than 1,000 words spoken by an adult each day due to screen time, dramatically setting back their language skills. The article can be found at: Screen time robs average toddler of hearing 1,000 words spoken by adult a day, study finds | Australia news | The Guardian

For ideas on screen free holiday ideas, check out some of the activities shared by Washington Waldorf screen for Washington’s ‘screen-free week’  screen-free-week-activities.pdf (washingtonwaldorf.org).