19 Screen Time Statistics 2024 – The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

Did you know that the average American spends more than seven hours a day staring at screens?

That’s more screen time than we spend sleeping!

What’s more, according to a recent study, screen time is only going up. In fact, screen time has increased by more than 50% in the last decade.

So what does all this screen time mean for our health?

Well, it turns out that it might not be all the bad as we thought.

There are, however, certain drawbacks to screen time; for example, greater knowledge and connection to others. However, there are also some dangers, including screen addiction and internet addiction, and even physical health problems.

Let’s take a closer look at screen time statistics and then I will let you decide how much screen time is healthy for you.

Table of Content

General Screen Time Statistics

1. The average American adult spends around 11 hours per day looking at screens (source).

The average American adult spends around 11 hours per day looking at screens, whether it’s a computer, television, smartphone, or tablet.

This can lead to several problems, such as eye strain, headaches, and neck and back pain. It can also cause trouble sleeping and make it difficult to concentrate on other tasks.

However, there are a few simple solutions that can help reduce the negative effects of too much screen time.

For example, taking regular breaks to look at something else or investing in a pair of blue light glasses to filter out the harmful rays from screens.

2. This number has increased steadily over the past decade, with screen time now accounting for more than half of Americans’ waking hours (source).

NY Times Statistics

Image credit: nypost.com

While there are many advantages to this increase in screen time, such as greater access to information and global connection, there are also several potential disadvantages.

These include everything from physical health problems like eye strain and neck pain to mental health concerns like anxiety and depression.

There are several ways to address these problems. For example, many experts recommend taking regular breaks from screens, setting limits on screen time, and making sure to get plenty of exercise and sleep.

Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the content that you’re consuming on screens.

Too much news or social media can be overwhelming, so it’s important to make sure that you’re taking in positive and uplifting content as well.

3. The average American spends nearly 5 hours per day on their smartphone, which is more time than they spend eating or sleeping (source).

Time spent using smartphones

According to a recent study, the average American spends nearly 5 hours per day on their smartphone.

That’s more time than they spend eating or sleeping. And it’s not just adults who are glued to their screens. Children are spending more time than ever before looking at screens as well.

This increased screen time has led to many problems, including sleep deprivation, obesity, and social isolation.

But there are ways to mitigate these problems. For example, setting limits on screen time, getting regular exercise, and spending time with family and friends can help reduce the negative effects of too much screen time.

4. On average, people check their phones 344 times per day. Now that’s crazy (source).

Reviews.org screen time statistics

Image credit: reviews.org

It’s no secret that we’re all addicted to our phones. We take them with us everywhere we go, and we can’t help but check them constantly throughout the day.

But just how often are we refreshing our feeds?

A recent study found that, on average, people check their phones 344 times per day. That’s once every four minutes!

And while that number may seem staggering, it’s not all that surprising. After all, our phones are designed to keep us coming back for more.

So next time you reach for your phone, ask yourself:

  • Do you really need to check it out right now?
  • Or can it wait?

Chances are, it can.

5. Around 84% of the world’s population using smartphones confesses they cannot live a single day without their phones (source).

In today’s world, it is hard to imagine going a day without our phones. We rely on them for so many things – from staying in touch with loved ones to keeping up with the news, to getting directions when we’re lost.

It’s no wonder, then, that a staggering 84% of the world’s population admits that they cannot live without their smartphones.

While our dependence on these devices can sometimes be problematic, there is no denying that they have become an essential part of our lives.

As we continue to rely increasingly on technology, likely, our dependence on smartphones will only grow.

6. The average teenager spends up to 9 hours per day on their phone, with many spending more than 10 hours (source). 

While many teenagers view their phones as a necessary part of their daily lives, there is growing concern about the amount of time that is being spent on these devices.

In addition to the time spent texting, talking, and browsing the internet, teenagers are also using their phones for homework, social media, and entertainment.

As a result, many teenagers are finding themselves spending more than 10 hours per day on their phones.

While there are some benefits to this increased usage, such as staying connected with friends and family, there are also some drawbacks. For example, excessive phone use has been linked to sleep deprivation, anxiety, and depression.

As a result, teenagers need to be aware of the potential risks associated with spending too much time on their phones.

Average Screen Time by Age

1. 0-8 years old spend up to 2.5 hours a day on screen time (source).

0 to 8 years screen time

It is no secret that young children are increasingly spending more time in front of screens.

According to a recent study, children aged 0-8 years old now spend an average of 2.5 hours a day on screen time. This is a 50% increase from just four years ago.

It is important for parents to monitor their child’s screen time and make sure that it does not interfere with other important activities, such as physical activity and face-to-face interactions.

2. 8-12 years old spend from 4 to 6 hours a day staring at screens (source).

8 to 12 years screen time

According to a recent study, 8-12-year-olds spend an average of 4-6 hours per day staring at screens. This includes time spent watching TV, using social media, playing video games, and surfing the Internet.

While there are some benefits to screen time, such as educational opportunities and exposure to new ideas, there are also some potential risks.

These include increased levels of anxiety and depression, difficulty sleeping, and problems with social skills.

Furthermore, extended periods of screen time can lead to physical health problems such as obesity and poor posture.

3. 12-18 years old spend up to 9 hours a day of screen time, with some spending more than 10 hours (source).

12 to 18 years screen time

It’s no secret that teenagers today are highly attached to their screens. According to a recent study, 12-18-year-olds spend up to 9 hours a day of screen time, with some spending more than 10 hours.

That’s an unprecedented amount of time spent staring at a screen, and it’s having a profound effect on teenagers’ physical and mental health. Too much screen time can lead to a host of problems.

It’s important for parents to monitor their teenagers’ screen time and help them find a healthy balance.

There are many ways to do this, such as setting limits on screen time, encouraging other activities, and being a good role model.

4. Average adults spend about 34 years of their lives staring at screens (source).

I’m not going to tell you to put down your screens and go outside. I’m not going to tell you that you’re spending too much time looking at your phone, or that you’re missing out on real-life because you’re stuck in front of a computer all day.

What I am going to say is this: all screen time is not created equal.

There are different kinds of screen time, just like there are different kinds of people. Some people use their screens as a way to connect with the world, while others use them as a way to escape it.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with either approach – it’s all about finding the balance that works for you.

If you’re someone who loves spending time on your screens, that’s great!

Just make sure that you’re using that time in a way that enhances your life, rather than detracts from it.

If you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media for hours on end, or if you feel like your screen time is causing anxiety or depression, then it might be time to reassess your relationship with your screens.

Think about how you want to use your 34 years of adult life, and make sure that your screen time reflects that.

5. Elderly people aged 60 and older spend around 4 hours and 16 minutes every day on screen time activities (source).

60 years old screen time

Though some might see excessive screen time as a problem to be solved, I believe that it provides limitless opportunities for those 60 and older.

First, we must consider the demographics of this age group. They are, on average, retired and have more free time than any other group. They are also living longer and staying healthier later in life.

With all of this extra time and energy, why not use screens to stay connected with friends and family, learn new things, or stay active?

Recent studies have shown that older adults who use screens have a lower risk of loneliness, depression, and cognitive decline.

And while it is true that too much screen time can lead to negative health outcomes, the same is true of any activity.

The key is to find balance and moderation in all things. So for those 60 and older, I say embrace the screen!

It just might be the best thing you ever do.

Screen Time & Sleep Statistics

1. The average person spends about 3 hours on their phone before going to bed (source).

We’ve become a society obsessed with our phones. We feel the need to be constantly connected and available at all hours of the day.

Even when we should be winding down for the night, we’re still checking our emails, scrolling through our social media feeds, and playing just one more round of whatever game we’re addicted to.

All of this screen time is having a major impact on our sleep. According to a recent study, the average person spends about three hours on their phone before going to bed.

This means that we’re not only staying up later, but we’re also exposing ourselves to blue light, which can disrupt our natural sleep cycles.

If we want to get a good night’s rest, we need to put our phones away and start disconnecting from technology an hour or so before bed. Otherwise, we’ll just end up tossing and turning all night long.

2. People who use screen devices two hours before bed are more likely to have sleep problems (source).

Using screens two hours before bedtime increases the risk of sleep problems, according to new research.

The study found that people who used screens in the evening were more likely to have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep than those who didn’t use screens.

They also reported feeling more tired during the day. The findings suggest that using screens close to bedtime can disrupt sleep, which can hurt health.

So if you’re having trouble sleeping, it might be time to put down the screen and pick up a book instead.

3. Every 4 out of 5 users check their phones within the first 15 minutes of waking up (source).

It’s not just that we’re curious about what’s happening in the world or who might have messaged us overnight.

Our phones have become a way for us to connect with our loved ones, stay up-to-date on the news, and get a handle on our day-to-day schedule. In some ways, they’ve become like a digital extension of our brains.

As our dependency on our phones grows, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with too much screen time. From sleep disruptions to neck pain, there are several ways that our phone habits can negatively impact our health.

4. 77% of people say they use their phone in bed (source).

Let’s talk about sleep. It’s one of the most important things we do each day, and it’s something that human beings have been doing since the beginning of time.

But in recent years, sleep has become more and more elusive. In fact, according to a recent survey, 77% of people say they use their phones in bed.

This is a disturbing trend because using electronic devices in bed can have a profound impact on our sleep.

The blue light emitted by screens interferes with our body’s production of melatonin, which makes it harder for us to fall asleep and stay asleep.

In addition, constant notifications and alerts can keep our minds active and prevent us from getting the restful sleep we need.

So if you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, consider disconnecting from your devices before you go to bed. Your mind and body will thank you for it.

5. 66% of people say they use their phone in the middle of the night (source).

According to a recent survey, 66% of people say they use their phones in the middle of the night.

For many of us, our phones are our alarm clocks. So it’s no wonder that so many people reach for their phones in the middle of the night.

Covid Screen Time Statistics

1. During Covid, internet usage and therefore screen time usage increased 50-70% (source).

The Covid pandemic has led to a dramatic increase in internet usage, with people spending an average of 50-70% more time online.

This increase in screen time has had many consequences, both positive and negative. On the positive side, people have been able to stay connected with friends and family members who live far away.

They have also been able to access a wealth of information and entertainment that they might not otherwise have had.

However, the increased amount of time spent looking at screens has also led to headaches, neck pain, and eye strain for many people. In addition, it has been linked to an increase in anxiety and depression.

2. During Covid, people were investing 50% more time consuming various information on social media (source).

During the Covid pandemic, people were investing 50% more time consuming various information on social media, which offers businesses an opportunity to target ads and content to a captive audience.

Businesses that are not using social media are missing out on a huge opportunity to connect with their customers.

With over 2 billion active users on social media, there is a vast potential market for businesses to reach.

By utilizing social media, businesses can connect with their customers in a meaningful way and build relationships that last.

3. Screen time soared up to 13 hours per day since early March 2020 due to the pandemic (source).

Eyesafe.com screen time statistics

Image credit: eyesafe.com

According to a new report from Nielsen, screen time in the US soared up to 13 hours per day during the early days of the pandemic.

This is a significant increase from the pre-pandemic average of 11 hours per day.

The report attributed the increase in screen time to the fact that people were forced to stay indoors due to the pandemic.

However, it’s worth noting that the increase in screen time was not evenly distributed across all age groups.

For example, adults aged 18-34 saw their screen time increase by nearly two hours per day, while adults aged 35-49 saw their screen time increase by just over one hour per day.

This is likely since adults aged 18-34 are more likely to be working from home than their older counterparts.

The increase in screen time is also likely to have been driven by an increase in streaming services, as people looked for ways to entertain themselves while stuck at home.

Conclusion: How Much Screen Time is Too Much?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on the individual. Some people can handle more screen time than others without any negative consequences.

However, if you find that you are struggling to focus or sleep, it might be worth reducing your screen time.

If you’re not sure where to start, try setting a limit for yourself and gradually reducing it over time.

You might also want to consider using an app that limits your screen time, such as Freedom or Offtime.

Whatever works best for you.

The important thing is to be aware of the impact that screen time can have on your mental and physical health. If you find that it’s starting to take a toll, make a change.

You’ll be glad you did.

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