Lifestyle -
Screen Time
Do you know that we use screens all the time from browsing through social media to watching TV!
HIGHLIGHTS
51% of U.S. teenagers spend at least four hours daily on social media
Older teens, girls exceed the overall average in social media time
Personality traits, parental restrictions are key factors in teens’ use
Just over half of U.S. teenagers (51%) report spending at least four hours per day using a variety of social media apps such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter)
- Teens Spend Average of 4.8 Hours on Social Media Per Day
- YouTube, TikTok Top the List of Favorite Social Media Apps
Average Screen Time For Teenagers
Social media Breakdown
Age and Gender Differences
The data also showed that the average time spent on social media varied between age groups, with the time increasing with age. Another interesting finding was the difference in usage between genders. Teenage girls spend nearly an hour more on social media compared to teenage boys, averaging 5.3 hours and 4.4 hours, respectively.
Trends Over Time
In 2015, American teens aged 13 to 18 averaged about 6 hours and 40 minutes of screen time each day. And this was just the beginning of an upward trend. By 2019, this average had increased to 7 hours and 22 minutes daily.
However, the most significant change occurred in 2021, when the average screen time increased to 8 hours and 39 minutes per day; an increase of
nearly two hours since 2015.
COVID-19 and the Effects on Screen Time
The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in this increase. School closures, social distancing, and the cancelation of extracurricular activities meant that we all had much more time on our hands, which resulted in a substantial shift in screen time patterns among children and adolescents (and
parents, too).
A systematic review by JAMA Pediatrics, an international peer-reviewed pediatric journal, which included data from 29,017 young people, provided more insights into how COVID affected screen usage. The research showed an average increase in screen time of 84 minutes per day, or 52%, during the pandemic.
The rise was even more significant among those aged 12 to 18 years. This
age group saw an average increase of 110 minutes per day, mostly on
handheld devices and personal computers.
Factors Influencing Screen Time
The amount of time teenagers spend on screens is influenced by a number of factors that can provide some insight into the changes we’re seeing.
Online Education
Advancements in technology and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in significant shifts towards digital learning. This transition means students spend more time on computers and tablets for their studies.
Social Media Engagement
Social media serves as a primary means of communication and connection for
teenagers. Staying updated and connected with friends and peers often leads to frequent and prolonged use. The rise of various social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook has led to increased screen time. Each platform offers unique content, keeping teens engaged for extended periods.
Rise of Innovative Alternatives
There are two primary factors that may be contributing to the recent decrease in screen time. The first is the rise in parental control and screen time monitoring software. Devices like Gryphon Wifi routers, as one example, give families tools to monitor and limit time on certain devices or sites. Additionally, Apple and other smartphone makers have increased parental controls and screen time limit settings that provide parents with opportunities to help create guardrails around devices.
Effects of Too Much Screen Time
Excessive screen time can have several adverse effects on teenagers, impacting everything from their mental health to their performance at school.
Sleep Disruption
Mental Health Concerns
Physical Health Issues
Academic Performance
Sleep
Too much screen time can mean you’re not getting enough sleep. It can make it harder for you to slip into sleep. Avoid using screens an hour before bedtime to get a better sleep.
Exercise
Most screen time happens when you’re sitting still, watching TV, or playing on video games. It is recommended to swap some of your screen time for a run, gym, or a game of tennis. Experts say to stay healthy we need to move our body for at least 60 minutes every day.
Food
Medical studies suggests that when you eat in front of a screen, you don’t notice when you feel full, so you are likely to be eating more
than you need.
Staying screen-free during mealtimes means you’ll pay more attention to what you’re eating and will be less likely to over-eat. Mealtimes are also an opportunity to connect with your family around the table and have better conversations.
How to Reduce The Amount of Time Teens Spend on Devices and balance screen time?
- Promote Non-Digital Activities
- Use Alternative Devices
- Set Screen-Free Times
- Create a Screen Time Plan
- Be a Good Example
