It’s hardly a surprise that teen screen time has surged by 20% over the past two years, following the upheaval brought on by the global pandemic. A recent report from Common Sense Media reveals that young people are now spending significantly more time in front of screens—phones, televisions, computers, and tablets—compared to the pre-pandemic era. This aligns with the experiences of many parents. Navigating adolescence is challenging on a regular day, and the added stress of a pandemic has only magnified those difficulties.
When COVID-19 first emerged in March 2020, families faced an uncertain period of isolation. With social interactions limited and parents working remotely, it’s understandable that teens would turn to screens for connection and an escape from reality. Fast forward two years, and while life has returned to a semblance of normalcy, the habits formed during quarantine have proven resilient.
Screen Time Statistics
According to the new report, screen time for tweens and teens has increased by nearly 20% overall. Tweens average about 5.5 hours of screen use daily, while teens clock in at approximately 8.5 hours. It’s essential to emphasize that these figures shouldn’t lead to guilt—families have faced unprecedented challenges during the past two years.
However, the details of this data reveal concerning disparities related to gender, class, and race. The study surveyed 1,306 tweens (ages 8 to 12) and teens (ages 13 to 18) in 2021, finding notable differences in screen time usage. Boys tend to spend more time online than girls, and Black and Hispanic/Latino youth report higher usage compared to their white peers. Additionally, children from lower-income families (under $35,000) and middle-income households ($35,000 to $99,000) engage with screens more than those from higher-income backgrounds.
While researchers are unsure about the reasons for these disparities, it’s likely that families with higher incomes can provide more supervision and resources, such as childcare and educational support. Recognizing how class, race, and gender influence screen time is crucial as we navigate these challenges.
The Importance of Content
The pandemic’s impact on screen time is clear, but we also need to pay attention to what content children are consuming. “This report underscores the importance of media choices for families and the need for further research on how extensive media use affects kids’ mental, physical, and emotional growth,” says Sarah Miller, a senior analyst at Common Sense Media. “We must ensure that social media and digital environments are safe and healthy for young people.”
When looking at viewing habits, TV and videos dominate screen time, followed by gaming and internet browsing. While social media usage is still limited for tweens, it averages 90 minutes per day for teens. “The trend of younger children accessing social media is concerning, as these platforms are not designed with their needs in mind,” Miller adds. “Tech companies must take responsibility for the young users on their platforms and consider children’s development when creating their algorithms.”
Though excessive screen time is often deemed “bad,” it has become an integral part of life, especially in recent years. In addition to finding ways to reduce screen time, it’s equally important to understand the content our kids are engaging with and work toward making the online environment safer.
Family Screen Time
Adults have also found themselves glued to screens more since 2020. Studies indicate that adults were averaging around 17 hours of screen time daily during periods of isolation, juggling work, video calls, social media, and streaming services. Therefore, evaluating screen time should encompass the entire family.
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In summary, the rise in teen screen time during the pandemic reflects broader social issues, including disparities across gender, race, and class. While excessive screen use is a concern, it is essential to focus on the content youths are consuming. This situation calls for a collective effort to ensure that digital spaces are safe and beneficial for children.
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