If you’re a parent of a tween or teen, you’re probably well aware of the significant role screens play in their lives. A recent study by Insightful Media reveals that American teenagers are spending more than seven hours each day glued to their phones, tablets, and computers— and that’s not even accounting for school-related activities. Tweens aren’t far behind, racking up nearly five hours of screen time daily.
It’s easy to convince ourselves that this screen time is mostly educational, right? While that’s a comforting notion, the data shows that the seven hours for teens and five for tweens exclude any time spent on schoolwork. A bit alarming, isn’t it?
However, not all findings from the report should send parents into a panic. Insightful Media surveyed over 1,600 children aged 8 to 18 across the U.S. to understand their media consumption habits, looking at various devices and activities to see how they spend their time on screens.
One important takeaway is that this screen time isn’t necessarily a continuous block of unbroken attention. Teens and tweens often multitask, which means they might not be staring at their screens for the entire duration.
Co-author and media research expert, Jane Thompson, pointed out that there are “vast opportunities” within children’s media use. “It allows young individuals to seek out resources for information they’re dealing with, use apps for meditation or sleep, and connect with peers facing similar challenges,” she explained.
Of course, increased screen time also brings potential risks, such as exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and feelings of social isolation. The report highlights a notable rise in smartphone ownership among both teens and tweens, with ownership increasing by over 20% for tweens since 2015 and nearly 20% for teens. This makes it essential for parents to engage in open conversations about media literacy with their children.
You might wonder how teens manage to spend an average of seven hours per day on screens. The answer largely lies in video consumption. Tweens dedicate 53% and teens allocate 39% of their screen time to watching videos online. Not surprisingly, YouTube is the go-to platform for young viewers.
A separate report from the medical journal JAMA Pediatrics indicates that excessive television viewing may negatively impact academic performance, based on a review of 58 studies conducted over the years. This research found a correlation between excessive TV watching and poor school outcomes, although it didn’t establish a similar link for general internet use or phone activities.
So, what can concerned parents do? Dr. Mark Eddings, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, suggests closely monitoring specific screen activities and setting limits on potentially problematic behaviors, such as binge-watching YouTube videos. “Parents need to take a more active role in what their kids are doing during their screen time,” Eddings advised.
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In summary, while the statistics on screen time for teens and tweens can be alarming, it’s crucial to understand the context and engage with children about their media habits. By balancing screen time with other activities and fostering open discussions, parents can help navigate this digital landscape.