These days, screens are everywhere in our teens’ lives. They use them for everything from hanging out with friends to doing schoolwork, to relaxing and having fun. But as parents and educators, many of us are feeling concerned about how much time they’re spending digitally connected.
Most teens far exceed the recommended limit of two hours of screen time per day. New research shows that teens between 13 and 18 years old are using screens for about 7.5 hours every day. Even more concerning, over half of teens are on screens for longer than that, and 41% are on for more than eight hours a day.
Screens aren’t inherently villainous and can be utilized to foster social connections learning, global awareness, and creativity. However, excessive use amplifies risks. Some studies have shown links between screen time use in preteens and later mental health difficulties such as increased rates of anxiety and depression. Early social media use has been shown to have a particular influence on girls’ mental health. Blue light from screens delays bedtimes and reduces quality of sleep, and high screen time use inevitably leads to less outdoor time and physical activity. Excessive screen use in children and teens has also been correlated with impaired areas of executive functioning such as sustained focus and attention.
How do we get back in Balance?
When we talk openly about screen time with our teens, it’s not about telling them to avoid technology. Instead, we want to guide and teach them how to use digital tools responsibly, and to find a healthy balance to mitigate the negative impacts of excessive use.
Reclaiming balance starts with intentional habits:
- Discuss feelings around tech openly, turning it into a dialogue rather than dictating limits. For example, discuss topics such as how video games are intentionally created to engage and keep players playing, the impact of cyberbullying, and the constant exposure to “filters”, inaccurate information and uncensored content etc.
- Discuss clear boundaries regarding how much time can be spent using screens recreationally each day.
- As parents- lead by example and model balanced screen time use yourself.
- Enforce device-free zones like bedrooms, and screen free times in the day such as during family meals and outings.
- Implement an “electronic curfew” one hour before bed to safeguard sleep.
- Prioritize alternatives by scheduling non-screen activities like sports, reading, or family game nights.
- Use apps for tracking (not just monitoring) to empower teens to self-regulate.
- Integrate tech positivity by curating content for learning and creativity and blending screens with real world application.
By addressing screen time head-on, we equip teens not to shun digital tools, but to wield them wisely. Balance isn’t about restriction—it’s about fostering balanced and well-rounded lives in a screen-saturated era.
If you’re worried about your teen, we have a team of seasoned therapists who are available to support where needed. Whether it’s asking a question or booking an appointment, you can just email, call, or submit a message using our contact form.
