Last month I asked if there could be a public forum to discuss the use of technology in our classrooms, especially with younger students. Since then, I have learned about something called "virtual autism."
Children are spending more time than ever in front of screens. Although technology can offer educational benefits, excessive screen exposure during critical developmental years may lead to “virtual autism.”
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/virtual-autism#causes
“Virtual autism”, which is not a real medical term, refers to a set of developmental symptoms that resemble ASD but stem primarily from excessive screen exposure rather than genetic or neurological factors. The term describes children who display autism-like behaviors that develop after significant exposure to digital screens during their formative years.
Unlike ASD, virtual autism is thought to be environmentally induced, specifically by prolonged exposure to television, tablets, smartphones, and other digital devices.
The condition typically affects children under 3, when brain development is most active and susceptible to environmental influences. During this critical period, real-world interactions are essential for developing communication skills, emotional regulation, and social understanding.
Children experiencing virtual autism may display
1 Communication difficulties: Delayed speech development, limited vocabulary, difficulty expressing needs, or regression in previously acquired language skills. Children may prefer non-verbal communication or show little interest in verbal interaction.
2 Social withdrawal: Reduced interest in interacting with others. Children may appear disconnected, avoid eye contact, or seem unengaged with social interactions.
3 Attention problems: Difficulty focusing on activities unrelated to screens, short attention span for real-world tasks, or hyperactivity when not engaged with devices.
4 Repetitive behaviors: Engaging in repetitive movements, fixating on specific objects or activities, or displaying rigid adherence to routines.
5 Emotional dysregulation: Frequent tantrums, especially with screen removal, difficulty managing emotions, or appearing emotionally flat during non-screen activities.
6 Sensory sensitivities: Heightened reactions to sounds, textures, or lights, or conversely, appearing under-responsive to environmental stimuli.
There is much more information that can be found but the good news is that virtual autism symptoms may be temporary and improve or resolve completely when screen time reduces and is replaced with enriching interactions.
As far as our students in the upper grades, I saw a testimonial of a High School English and Advanced Placement Literature teacher in MN that took away Chromebooks for her students. She had realized many students could use AI to write book reports and she wanted to see what her students thought about what they read. She told parents what she wanted to do. They asked what they could do to help. "Give me paper," was her reply and she was overwhelmed with volume of paper given to her.
Students would read the literature selection and then write their book reports with paper and pencil. After they became used to the process, the kids loved it! It was their own words and thoughts submitted.
There are beginning to be schools in our area that are doing away with Chromebooks. Welch Public Schools' school board unanimously agreed to eliminate Chromebooks to create a more focused classroom environment. Chromebooks will still be available as a resource for Welch School, however they will be on carts and only used if the teacher feels the need to use them. This is from article dated April 26, 2026.
"Supt. Ramsey says school districts across the state have reached out to him to ask about how they implemented this." I maintain that we could ask also.
To drastically reduce technology and engage our students in their own learning is a decision that will need to be made and worked out by you. I have no doubt that it will seem like a daunting task at first. Should you proceed, you will need the support and cooperation of this community.
Thank you for listening.
Pam Jarrett
