Tween and Teens Screen Time: How Much They’re Getting & Tips
Unless you’re living completely off the grid, you and your kids probably have access to digital devices. Whether it be a computer at school or a cell phone, tablet, or video game console at home, kids are connected to technology. With the pandemic, many kids increased their screen time spent on digital devices.
Make no mistake, technology has its place in society and can be very helpful. In fact, it’s essential in many areas. But like anything, too much of a good thing can end up being bad.
From the Center of Disease Control (CDC):
“According to the Kaiser Family FoundationExternal, kids ages 8-18 now spend, on average, a whopping 7.5 hours in front of a screen for entertainment each day, 4.5 of which are spent watching TV. Over a year, that adds up to 114 full days watching a screen for fun. That’s just the time they spend in front of a screen for entertainment. It doesn’t include the time they spend on the computer at school for educational purposes or at home for homework.
The CDC recommends kids get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. The time kids spend watching TV, playing video games, surfing the web, is time they could be physically active.”
Below are infographics that break out the amount of screen time that tweens and teens are currently getting. Each infographic also offers tips on alternatives that kids can do. You can also read my other article “How Much Screen Time is Too Much for Kids” for more suggestions on how to provide limits.
8-10 Year Olds
11-14 Year Olds
15-18 Year Olds
For additional resources, please view these articles:
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
- CDC: Strategies to Prevent Obesity
- Screen-Free WeekExternal
