Imagine you wake up one day and realise you have to do everything by hand. Write letters instead of sending messages, walk long distances instead of calling a ride, and spend hours searching for information in books instead of looking it up in seconds. That’s how life would be without technology and cellphones.
Technology has accelerated human efforts toward development and progression providing alternate pathways that make tasks easier. However, technology is like a pathway: when used wisely, it takes us closer to development but when misused, it can lead us astray.
Parents all around the globe are concerned over the amount of time their children are spending on their phones. Their concerns are certainly valid as according to a recent Islamabad based study children between the ages of 7 and 10 spent an average of four hours daily on screens (3 hours more than the maximum recommended limit). This overexposed and unattended use of technology has adversely affected students ability to perform and behave appropriately in different settings. Not only has it impacted their academic performance but has also shortened their attention span and learning ability. As a result, students grow restless, lose interest in reading and discussions, and miss out on creative or emotionally balanced engagement. This dependence erodes their tolerance, making them restless when faced with tasks that require time and patience.
Over-dependence on gadgets narrows the space for imagination and creativity, as students consume pre-made digital content instead of generating their own ideas. When they are supposed to engage in creative activities such as drawing, painting or reading they spent their time doom scrolling, leaving little room to exercise their creative freedom.
Sunbeams recognises the challenges posed by technology but does not believe in completely eradicating it from students lives. Instead, the school promotes a balanced approach, where technology is treated as a tool rather than a replacement for real-world experiences. Sunbeams has been shaped into a safe and friendly environment where, while keeping the pressing threats of overuse of technology in mind, human-to-human interactions are highly encouraged and nature-based experiences are promoted.
Children rarely change habits on their own; they need guidance and inspiration. Sunbeams understands this and turns intentions into action. From planting trees in Green Drives to running, cheering, and competing on Sports Days, students connect with each other and the world around them in real, memorable ways. Cultural and national celebrations, debates, and dramatics let them laugh, learn, and discover who they are while feeling part of something bigger. It’s not about taking away gadgets—students naturally spend less time on screens because these hands-on, joyful experiences are simply too exciting to miss.
Keeping in mind the importance of voluntary participation, Sunbeams offers various inclusive extracurricular activities, each tailored for children with different interests. Debates challenge students to think on their feet and share their ideas, dramatics bring excitement and creativity to the stage, science fairs let them explore and experiment, and art competitions allow them to show their imagination. Group projects and community initiatives help students work together, understand each other, and take on responsibilities, showing that engaging with the real world can be far more fun and rewarding than staring at screens. Through these activities, students develop focus, curiosity, and confidence naturally, without ever being told to put away their gadgets.
Sunbeams realises the importance of technology in everyday life therefore a smooth transition from digital dependancy to real life experience is encouraged. By participating in such activities students gradually develop patience, attentiveness, and the ability to observe details carefully. These experiences encourage them to stay present, think critically, and appreciate the value of effort and persistence. They value and appreciate little moments enjoying activities fully rather than being distracted by screens. Their interactions with fellow classmates improve greatly, fostering a healthy school environment. Experiences at school encourage children to share and interact with their families, improving connections at home
In this digital age, depriving students of a resource so deeply integrated into their lives is not the solution. Instead, it is essential to create space around technology and help children learn to balance its use with real-life experiences. Sunbeams shows that children can thrive when they take part in engaging co-curricular activities that naturally draw them away from screens. Through debates, arts, sports, and community projects, students explore, learn, and have fun all at once. These experiences help them gain confidence, build connections, and grow emotionally. Sunbeams shapes students who are academically strong, socially aware, and grounded in values, ready to face both the digital world and real life with curiosity and purpose.
It’s always exciting to hear the stories of peers and seniors, and as an intern, I get to join in too- guiding students, sharing experiences, and helping them build discipline, teamwork, and a love for learning, all while showing them that real-life activities can be far more fun than screen time.
Fizza Abbas is in A2, LGS Islamabad on full scholarship and is currently an intern at Sunbeams School System.
