Screen Time & Its Effects
(1) In the past decade, the average daily screen time has increased dramatically (especially in children). Studies show that the average person spends 4 hours and 37 minutes on their phone every day. Meaning they spend over 1 day per week or 6 days per month.
(2) The table shows how average screen time (in hours per day) has grown by age group between 2015 and 2025.
| Age Group | 2015 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Teens (13–19) | ~6 | ~7.8 |
| Adults (20–39) | ~5 | ~6.5 |
| Adults (40+) | ~3.5 | ~5 |
(3) More screen time correlates with shorter attention spans. A study shows that the average attention span has dropped from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds in 2013 (which is less than a goldfish)!
(4) However, not ALL screen time is bad. Educational and creative apps have shown to improve problem-solving and collaboration skills when used intentionally.
(5) The goal isn’t to eliminate all screen time, but to find balance---using technology to connect, learn, and create, while remembering to disconnect and take breaks when needed.
