Kids’ fine motor skills are declining—how screens and modern childhood shape growth

A recent National Geographic report highlighted growing concerns from educators and researchers about a decline in fine motor skills among young children—challenges in holding pencils, tying shoes, and using scissors. The report, citing an Education Week survey, suggests the problem has worsened in recent years due to increased screen time, reduced outdoor play, and pandemic-related disruptions.

According to an Education Week survey of PreK-3 teachers, 77% reported that fine motor skills like holding pencils, using scissors, and writing have become more challenging for young students, and 69% noted that tying shoes is more difficult compared to five years ago.

Honestly? I believe it. I see it in my own kids. The screen temptation is real—for them and for us. Reading has gone down. Outdoor play has gone down. And as a result, fine motor skills have taken a hit.

Related: 10 Montessori-inspired ways to promote your child’s fine motor skills through art

For generations, childhood was full of writing, drawing, lacing, climbing, and crafting. But in what feels like an instant, those activities have been replaced with swipes and taps. It’s happening so fast that we haven’t even stopped to ask: What is this shift doing to our kids?

As a mom of five, I’ve seen the impact firsthand. Some of my kids have needed occupational therapy for handwriting. We’ve had to rethink our screen time rules—implementing a ‘no screens during the school week’ policy. It’s not easy, but if we want to preserve these critical skills, we have to be intentional.

What’s causing the fine motor decline?

Experts say it’s a mix of factors:

• Screen time is crowding out hands-on activities. Instead of playing with blocks or coloring, kids are passively watching videos or tapping on screens.
• Reading for fun is declining. According to Pew Research, the number of 9- and 13-year-olds who read for fun has steadily declined over the past decade. While this data focuses on older children, experts suggest that fewer opportunities for early childhood book handling—turning pages, holding crayons, and practicing writing—could also be contributing to fine motor skill delays.
• Outdoor play is way down. Kids used to climb trees, collect acorns, and dig in the dirt—activities that naturally build hand strength and coordination. Today, that unstructured play is often replaced by screens or organized activities where kids aren’t using their hands in the same way.
• Changes in childhood routines also play a role. The rise of elastic-waist pants over buttons and zippers, along with pre-packaged snacks that replace pouring and peeling, means fewer daily opportunities for kids to develop dexterity. While these conveniences make life easier, they also reduce hands-on learning experiences for small hands.

Experts note that while screen time plays a role, the decline in fine motor skills predates the pandemic. However, the pandemic may have intensified the issue by limiting early childhood experiences like hands-on learning, playdates, and in-person schooling.

Related: The 6 best Pikler triangles that build gross motor skills while having fun

How to help kids build fine motor skills

The good news? We can course-correct—but it takes intention.

• Try the 1,000 Hours Outside challenge. The idea is simple: spend 1,000 hours outside in a year. It’s an antidote to screens and a natural way to build motor skills through climbing, playing, and exploring.
• Make fine motor fun. Instead of forcing handwriting practice, incorporate Play-Doh, cutting, sewing, and puzzles into everyday play.
• No-screen hours (for parents, too). If we want our kids to read more, play more, and build stronger skills, we have to model it. Try implementing tech-free mornings or a no-screens-after-school rule.
• Create an arts and crafts challenge. Set up a table with supplies and let kids create freely—no rules, just creativity. Bonus: It keeps them entertained without screens.
• Encourage hands-on giving. Have kids help wrap presents, write birthday cards, or make homemade gifts. These activities double as fine motor workouts.

The world is changing fast, but childhood doesn’t have to. It’s time to slow down, notice the shift, and be proactive in giving our kids the skills they need. 

Their little hands—and their futures—depend on it.

Sources:

1. A discussion on the decline of fine motor skills in children. National Geographic. 2024. “Why kids are losing fine motor skills”.
2. A report on struggles with listening, sharing, and fine motor skills in young children. Education Week. 2024. “Young Kids Are Struggling With Skills Like Listening, Sharing, and Using Scissors”
3. An exploration of the decline in reading for fun among U.S. children. Pew Research Center. 2021. “Among many U.S. children, reading for fun has become less common, federal data shows”