The CDC released new research last month showing that, excluding time spent on homework, 50% of teens ages 12 to 17 spend 4 or more hours per day on screens. There were differences in screen time among young teens vs. older teens, boys vs. girls, family income, parent education, and Asian/Black/Hispanic/White respondents. All of this data was self-reported from teens themselves.
Time spent on screens is just one measure. It is important to consider what activities teens are engaging in when using screens:
- Engaging with friends through gaming or video calls? These activities have been shown to be important for adolescent socialization and development.
- Streaming videos, music or podcasts? Ask teens about the content they are streaming? Is it educational or entertainment? Empowering or violent? What are they feeling with the content they choose? Or are they escaping their feelings?
What other non-screen activities are teens enjoying in their free time? How can we help them find more non-screen activities?