Screen Time Statistics: How Much Are We Staring at Screens?

• Global Average Screen Time: 6 hours and 40 minutes per day on internet-connected screens
• US Average Screen Time: 7 hours and 3 minutes daily for adults
• Highest Screen Time: South Africa at 9 hours and 24 minutes per day
• Gen Z Screen Time: Approximately 9 hours daily
• Teen Screen Time: 8 hours and 20 minutes per day
• Tween Screen Time: 5 hours and 33 minutes daily
• Weekly TV Time in the US: 32 hours and 18 minutes for adults
• Total Media Time in the US: 59 hours and 56 minutes weekly for adults
• Smartphone as Primary Device: 56.9% of Americans use smartphones for most screen time
• Parental Concerns: 67% of parents worried about children’s screen time activities
• Desire to Reduce Phone Use: 53% of Americans aim to decrease phone usage in 2025
• YouTube Consumption: Android users spend 10 trillion minutes monthly watching videos
• Screen Time Before Bed: 70% of teens use screens within an hour of bedtime
• Children with Smartphones: 53% of children aged 8-12 own smartphones
• Social Media Screen Time: Adults spend about 33% of their screen time on social platforms
• Gaming Screen Time: Teens dedicate approximately 25% of screen time to video games
• Video Content Consumption: Adults spend about 40% of screen time watching videos
• Screen Time Tracking: 27% of adults and 21% of teens use apps to monitor screen time

Global Screen Time Trends

Average Screen Time Worldwide

As of 2025, the global average screen time stands at a substantial 6 hours and 40 minutes per day on internet-connected screens. This figure represents a significant portion of our waking hours, approximately 40%, dedicated to screen-based activities. 

The implications of this extensive digital engagement are far-reaching, affecting everything from our physical health to our social interactions and cognitive processes.

It’s important to note that this average masks considerable variations across different regions, age groups, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Factors such as internet accessibility, cultural norms, and economic development play crucial roles in determining screen time patterns across the globe.

Screen Time Trends Over the Years

To better understand how we arrived at this point, let’s examine the evolution of screen time from 2013 to 2023:

This data reveals a general upward trend in screen time over the past decade, with some notable fluctuations. The most significant jump occurred between 2019 and 2020, likely due to the global COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on digital consumption habits. 

As lockdowns were implemented worldwide, people turned to screens for work, education, entertainment, and social connection, leading to a sharp increase in screen time.

The subsequent years show a slight decline and then stabilization, possibly reflecting a “new normal” as societies adapted to post-pandemic life. However, the overall trend remains upward, indicating our growing reliance on digital technologies.

Screen Time Allocation

In 2023, the breakdown of screen time activities globally was as follows:

The decline in TV watching time is particularly noteworthy, as it reflects the ongoing shift from traditional broadcast television to on-demand streaming services. This trend has significant implications for the media industry and advertising landscape.

The slight decrease in social media usage is an interesting development, possibly indicating a growing awareness of the potential negative impacts of excessive social media use. However, at over 2 hours per day, social media still commands a significant portion of our screen time.

US Screen Time Statistics

Average Screen Time in the United States

Adults in the United States spend an average of 7 hours and 3 minutes on screens daily, which is 23 minutes more than the global average. This high screen time places the US among the top countries for digital consumption, reflecting the nation’s advanced technological infrastructure and the integral role of digital media in American society.

The higher-than-average screen time in the US can be attributed to several factors:

1. High smartphone penetration rates
2. Widespread availability of high-speed internet
3. A culture that embraces digital technology in work and leisure
4. The dominance of US-based tech companies and social media platforms

US Screen Time Trends

Let’s examine how screen time has evolved in the US over recent years:

The data shows a notable increase in 2020, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a slight decrease and then stabilization around the 7-hour mark. This pattern reflects the initial shock of lockdowns and social distancing measures, followed by a gradual adjustment to new routines.

The stabilization at around 7 hours per day suggests that this level of screen time may have become the “new normal” for many Americans. This raises important questions about the long-term impacts of such sustained digital engagement on physical health, mental well-being, and social dynamics.

Media Consumption in the US

American adults consume a substantial amount of media weekly:

• Total media time: 59 hours and 56 minutes per week
• Daily media consumption: 8 hours and 34 minutes
• TV watching: 32 hours and 18 minutes per week

These figures highlight the central role that media plays in American life. With nearly 60 hours per week dedicated to media consumption, it’s clear that screens and digital content dominate leisure time for many adults in the US.

The high TV watching time, at over 32 hours per week, is particularly striking. This includes both traditional broadcast television and streaming services, reflecting the evolving landscape of video content consumption. The rise of binge-watching culture, facilitated by on-demand streaming platforms, has likely contributed to this high figure.

Device-Specific Screen Time

The breakdown of screen time by device for US adults is as follows:

• Smartphone use: 2 hours and 21 minutes daily
• Internet use on computers: 42 minutes daily
• 56.9% of Americans use smartphones as their primary screen time device

This data underscores the dominance of mobile devices, particularly smartphones, in American screen time habits. The fact that smartphones account for more than half of all screen time reflects their versatility and convenience. From social media browsing to video watching, gaming, and even work-related tasks, smartphones have become the go-to device for many Americans.

The relatively lower time spent on computer internet use (42 minutes) compared to smartphones suggests a shift in how Americans access online content and services. This trend has significant implications for web design, digital marketing, and app development, as companies increasingly prioritize mobile-first approaches.

Screen Time by Age Group

Generational Screen Time Comparison

Different generations exhibit varying screen time habits, reflecting differences in technological adoption, lifestyle, and preferences:

Gen Z, often referred to as “digital natives,” leads in screen time with an average of 9 hours per day. This high figure reflects their lifelong immersion in digital technology and their tendency to multitask across multiple screens and platforms.

Millennials, while also tech-savvy, show a lower average screen time of 6 hours and 42 minutes. This could be due to a combination of factors, including work responsibilities, family commitments, and a greater likelihood of remembering life before ubiquitous screens.

The high screen time for teens (8 hours and 20 minutes) is particularly concerning, given the crucial developmental stages occurring during adolescence. This extensive screen exposure may have significant implications for social skills development, academic performance, and mental health.

Tweens (ages 8-12) show a lower but still substantial screen time of 5 hours and 33 minutes. This figure is noteworthy given the young age of this group and raises questions about the impact of early screen exposure on cognitive and social development.

Teen and Tween Screen Time Trends

The screen time for younger demographics has shown significant increases over recent years:

These substantial increases over a six-year period are alarming. For teens, the nearly 30% increase represents an additional 2 hours of screen time per day. This surge could be attributed to several factors:

1. Increased smartphone ownership among teens
2. The rise of social media platforms targeting younger users
3. The growing prevalence of online and hybrid learning models
4. The expansion of streaming services with youth-oriented content

For tweens, the 20.65% increase, while slightly lower, is still significant. This group has seen nearly an hour added to their daily screen time, potentially at the expense of other activities crucial for their development, such as outdoor play, reading, or face-to-face social interaction.

Children’s Screen Time

Even very young children are not immune to the allure of screens:

• 49% of children aged 0 to 2 interact with smartphones
• 45% of children aged 2-5 use tablets

These statistics are particularly concerning given the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation of no screen time for children under 18 months (except for video chatting) and very limited, high-quality programming for children 18-24 months.

The high percentage of very young children interacting with smartphones (49% for ages 0-2) raises questions about the long-term impacts on cognitive development, language acquisition, and social skills. While digital technology can offer educational benefits, excessive or inappropriate use at such young ages could potentially interfere with crucial developmental processes.

The widespread use of tablets among 2-5 year-olds (45%) reflects the growing integration of technology into early childhood. While educational apps and interactive content can support learning, it’s crucial to balance screen time with other essential activities for this age group, such as physical play, social interaction, and hands-on exploration of the physical world.

Parental Concerns and Screen Time Management

Parental Concerns

As screen time has increased, so too have parental concerns about its impact on children’s development and well-being:

The high percentage of parents concerned about overall screen time activities (67%) reflects a growing awareness of the pervasive nature of screens in children’s lives. This general concern encompasses a range of more specific worries about the potential negative impacts of excessive screen time.

Mental health emerges as a significant concern, with 60% of parents worried about the impact of screen time on their children’s psychological well-being. This could include issues such as anxiety, depression, and addiction to digital devices or social media.

Physical health concerns (55%) likely relate to the sedentary nature of many screen-based activities and their potential impact on fitness, posture, and eyesight.

The worry about social skills development (51%) reflects fears that excessive screen time might be replacing crucial face-to-face interactions, potentially hampering children’s ability to develop interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.

Sleep quality stands out as the most prevalent concern, with 71% of parents recognizing the potential for screens to disrupt healthy sleep patterns. This could be due to factors such as blue light exposure and the stimulating nature of digital content.

Academic performance is a concern for 58% of parents, possibly reflecting worries about screens serving as a distraction from schoolwork or replacing more traditional forms of learning and study.

Screen Time Management by Parents

In response to these concerns, many parents are taking active steps to manage their children’s screen time:

• 77% of parents set limits on their children’s screen time
• 83% of parents monitor their children’s screen activities
• 80% of parents limit screen time during meals
• 85% of parents limit screen time before bedtime

These high percentages indicate a widespread recognition among parents of the need to actively manage children’s screen time. Setting limits is a common approach, with over three-quarters of parents implementing some form of restriction on screen use.

Monitoring screen activities is even more prevalent, with 83% of parents keeping tabs on what their children are doing online. This could involve checking browsing histories, using parental control software, or simply maintaining open communication about online activities.

The high percentage of parents limiting screen time during meals (80%) reflects an effort to preserve family time and face-to-face interaction. Similarly, the 85% who limit screen time before bed shows an awareness of the potential negative impacts of screen use on sleep quality.

Children’s Device Ownership

The prevalence of personal devices among children contributes to screen time concerns:

• 53% of children aged 8-12 have their own smartphones
• 45% of children aged 2-5 use tablets

These figures highlight the early age at which children are gaining access to personal devices. The fact that over half of 8-12 year-olds own smartphones raises questions about the appropriate age for device ownership and the challenges of managing screen time when children have constant access to their own devices.

The high percentage of very young children (2-5 years) using tablets suggests that touchscreen devices are becoming a normal part of early childhood experiences. While these devices can offer educational benefits, their prevalence at such young ages underscores the need for careful management and guidance in their use.

Screen Time and Health

Mental and Physical Health Impacts

The relationship between screen time and health is a growing concern, with parents particularly worried about various aspects:

Mental health concerns top the list, with 60% of parents worried about the psychological impacts of screen time. This could include issues such as:

1. Social media-induced anxiety and depression
2. Addiction to digital devices or specific apps
3. Cyberbullying and its psychological effects
4. Reduced face-to-face social interaction leading to feelings of isolation

Physical health concerns, while slightly lower at 55%, are still significant. These worries might encompass:

1. Sedentary behavior leading to obesity and related health issues
2. Poor posture and potential musculoskeletal problems
3. Eye strain and vision problems from prolonged screen use
4. Reduced physical activity and outdoor time

Sleep quality emerges as the most prevalent health-related concern, with 71% of parents recognizing the potential for screens to disrupt healthy sleep patterns. This high level of concern is well-founded, as research has consistently shown that screen use before bedtime can:

1. Suppress melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep
2. Increase cognitive stimulation, making it difficult to relax before bed
3. Disrupt circadian rhythms, affecting overall sleep quality
4. Lead to shorter sleep duration, especially among children and adolescents

Sleep and Screen Time

The impact of screen time on sleep quality is well-documented and remains a significant concern:

• 70% of teens use screens within an hour of bedtime
• 60% of adults use screens before going to bed

These high percentages indicate that screen use immediately before sleep is a widespread habit across age groups. This practice can have several negative effects on sleep:

1. Blue light emitted by screens can suppress melatonin production, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles.
2. Engaging with stimulating content (e.g., social media, news, or exciting videos) can increase cognitive arousal, making it harder to relax and fall asleep.
3. The addictive nature of some apps and platforms can lead to “just one more scroll” behavior, delaying bedtime.
4. Notifications and alerts can disrupt sleep even after the device is put away.

The fact that teen usage before bed (70%) is higher than adult usage (60%) is particularly concerning, given the importance of sleep for adolescent development and academic performance.

Blue Light Filters

To mitigate some of the negative effects of screen time, particularly on sleep, many users employ blue light filters:

• 42% of adults use blue light filters on their devices
• 35% of teens use blue light filters on their devices

Blue light filters work by reducing the amount of blue light emitted by screens, which is thought to be particularly disruptive to natural sleep cycles. The adoption of these filters indicates a growing awareness of the potential negative impacts of screen use on sleep quality.

However, it’s worth noting that while blue light filters may help, they don’t completely negate the effects of screen time on sleep. The content consumed and the overall duration of use still play significant roles in sleep disruption.

The lower adoption rate among teens (35%) compared to adults (42%) suggests an opportunity for education about the benefits of these tools, especially given the higher rates of pre-bed screen use among teenagers.

Screen Time in Education and Work

Educational and Professional Screen Time

Screen time isn’t always recreational; it often includes educational and professional activities:

Educational content accounts for 15% of children’s screen time, reflecting the growing integration of digital tools in learning environments. This could include:

1. Online research for school projects
2. Educational apps and games
3. Virtual learning platforms
4. Educational videos and tutorials

While this shows the potential for screens to support learning, it also raises questions about the balance between digital and traditional educational methods.

For adults, creative activities occupy 10% of screen time. This category might include:

1. Digital art and design
2. Video and photo editing
3. Writing and content creation
4. Music production

This figure highlights the role of screens in facilitating creative expression and productivity.

Communication apps take up a significant 20% of adults’ screen time, underscoring the central role of digital communication in modern life. This could encompass:

1. Email
2. Video conferencing
3. Instant messaging
4. Social media for professional networking

The high percentage devoted to communication reflects the shift towards digital-first interaction in both personal and professional contexts.

Workplace Screen Time Habits

Screen use in professional settings is significant and sometimes problematic:

• 45% of adults admit to checking their phones during meetings

This statistic highlights the pervasive nature of smartphones in the workplace and the challenge of maintaining focus in the face of constant connectivity. It raises questions about productivity, workplace etiquette, and the need for policies around device use during work hours.

The high percentage of people checking phones during meetings could indicate:

1. A lack of engagement with the meeting content
2. Addiction-like behaviors related to smartphone use
3. The pressure to be constantly available and responsive
4. Multitasking habits that may actually reduce overall productivity

As remote and hybrid work models become more common, managing screen time in professional contexts becomes increasingly important. Balancing the benefits of digital tools with the need for focused work and genuine human interaction presents a significant challenge for modern workplaces.

Screen Time Reduction Efforts

Desire to Reduce Screen Time

Many individuals recognize the need to manage their screen time better:

• 53% of Americans want to reduce their phone usage in 2025
• This represents a 33% increase from 2023

The fact that over half of Americans express a desire to cut down on phone use indicates a growing awareness of the potential negative impacts of excessive screen time. This desire for reduction could be driven by various factors:

1. Recognition of time wasted on non-productive activities
2. Concerns about the impact on mental health and well-being
3. Desire to improve real-world relationships and experiences
4. Awareness of the physical health impacts of sedentary screen use

The significant increase (33%) in this desire from 2023 to 2025 suggests that concerns about screen time are becoming more prevalent. This trend could be influenced by:

1. Increased media coverage of the potential negative effects of excessive screen use
2. Personal experiences of the downsides of too much screen time
3. A cultural shift towards valuing “digital detox” and mindful technology use
4. Growing research evidence on the impacts of screen time on health and well-being

Screen Time Tracking

To manage screen time, many users employ tracking tools:

• 27% of adults use apps to track their screen time
• 21% of teens use apps to monitor their screen time

The use of tracking apps represents a proactive approach to managing digital consumption. These tools typically provide users with data on:

1. Total screen time per day
2. Time spent on specific apps or categories of apps
3. Number of device pickups
4. Notification frequency

The slightly higher adoption rate among adults (27%) compared to teens (21%) could indicate a greater sense of responsibility or concern among older users. However, the fact that over a fifth of teens are using these tools suggests a growing awareness among younger users as well.

While tracking apps can be useful for raising awareness and setting goals, their effectiveness ultimately depends on the user’s commitment to acting on the data they provide. The relatively low adoption rates (less than a third of users) suggest there’s still significant room for growth in this area.

Global Comparisons

Highest Screen Time Countries

Some countries stand out for their high average screen time:

• South Africa leads with 9 hours and 24 minutes of daily screen time

This figure is significantly higher than the global average of 6 hours and 40 minutes. Several factors could contribute to South Africa’s high screen time:

1. High smartphone penetration rates
2. Reliance on mobile devices for internet access due to limited fixed broadband infrastructure
3. Cultural factors that promote digital engagement
4. The use of devices for both work and leisure activities

It’s important to note that high screen time doesn’t necessarily correlate with economic development or technological advancement. Various cultural, social, and infrastructural factors play roles in determining a country’s average screen time.

Regional Variations

Screen time varies significantly across different regions and countries, influenced by factors such as:

1. Technological infrastructure: Countries with better internet connectivity and higher smartphone penetration rates tend to have higher screen time.
2. Cultural norms: Some cultures may place more emphasis on digital engagement, while others might prioritize offline activities.
3. Economic conditions: In some regions, economic factors may limit access to devices and internet connectivity, affecting overall screen time.
4. Work culture: Countries with longer working hours or a prevalence of desk jobs might see higher screen time.
5. Age demographics: Nations with younger populations might have higher average screen times due to greater technology adoption among youth.
6. Climate: Countries with extreme weather conditions might see higher indoor screen time.
7. Urban vs. rural population distribution: Urban areas typically have higher screen time due to better connectivity and more sedentary lifestyles.

These variations highlight the complex interplay of factors that influence screen time on a global scale. Understanding these regional differences is crucial for developing culturally appropriate strategies to promote healthy screen use.

Conclusion

The statistics presented in this article paint a picture of a world increasingly dominated by screens. While digital technology offers numerous benefits and opportunities, the high levels of screen time across all age groups also raise important questions about balance and well-being.

As we move forward, the challenge will be to harness the positive aspects of screen-based technology while mitigating its potential negative impacts. The key lies in mindful usage, education, and the development of healthy digital habits across all segments of society.