Generation Alpha, the first to grow up entirely in the digital age, is more connected than ever. From the moment they can hold a device, these digital natives (children born between around 2010 and 2025) are immersed in an always-on and on-demand world of content. And while technology has undeniable benefits, concerns about its impact on attention spans and mental well-being are rising.
Studies have even linked excessive screen time to increased anxiety in children, highlighting the need for a healthier balance between digital and physical learning experiences. Research from UCSF also suggests that excessive screen exposure in preteens is linked to increased risks of depression and anxiety in later years. This highlights the importance of incorporating non-digital methods of learning to foster well-rounded development.
How print can help
While digital tools have transformed education, printed materials remain crucial for deeper learning and concentration. Reading from physical books and worksheets helps children to improve their focus, free from the distractions of notifications and endless scrolling. The tactile experience of handling printed content also enhances memory retention and comprehension, making it a valuable complement to screen-based learning.
Timothy Thomas, Country Manager at Epson South Africa, notes: “Technology is integral to education, but balance is key. Print materials provide children with a break from screens, fostering creativity and concentration in ways that digital content cannot.”
For parents looking to create a more balanced learning environment at home, investing in the right printer is a great start and can make all the difference to their learning experiences.
Among the characteristics to look for, a Gen Alpha-friendly printer should offer user-friendly operation (think touch screens, larger digital displays and Wi-Fi compatibility), allowing for simple setup and navigation to encourage independent use. It should also include education and creativity features, such as high-capacity ink tanks to make printing vibrant and visually appealing while also ensuring affordability, enabling the printing of worksheets, activity pages and art projects with ease.
“Epson’s EcoTank range is designed with these needs in mind, offering cost-effective, cartridge-free printing that supports both education and creative expression,” adds Thomas. “By integrating print into their learning routines, parents can help their children step away from screens while still engaging in meaningful educational activities.”
Physical interaction
Hands-on experiential learning is another powerful way to encourage screen-free engagement. Activities such as outdoor play, structured physical tasks, and tactile learning experiences like building with LEGO® bricks, playing with puzzles and engaging in creative art projects can provide meaningful learning moments without a screen in sight.
Montessori-style learning and STEM kits, including ones that incorporate robotics, construction sets and interactive science experiments, offer children a way to develop problem-solving skills and creativity through physical interaction.
A blended learning approach may, as such, be the key to equipping Gen Alpha digital natives with non-digital skills, like reading comprehension, time management and patience, while ensuring they benefit from non-digital learning.
As 2025 unfolds, striking a balance between digital and traditional learning methods will be more important than ever, and encouraging screen-free time through print-based learning is a small but powerful step toward fostering healthier, more engaged young minds.
“Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to create environments where children can thrive beyond the screen, embracing both digital and print mediums for a comprehensive learning experience,” concludes Thomas.
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