Screen Time Calculator

Screen time is the amount of time you spend using electronic devices that have screens, like smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions. This includes activities such as surfing the internet, watching videos, playing video games, and interacting on social media. In our modern world, many of us use screens for various purposes, but it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides of too much screen time. It can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, disrupt your sleep, and cause eye strain. Many of us don’t realize how much time per day we spend looking at screens. That being said, it is important to monitor your screen time. We’ve built the calculator below so you can see how screen time adds up on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.

How to Reduce Screen Time

Seeing how much time you spend per year in front of a screen can be alarming.  You can substantially reduce your screen time by making some simple changes to your habits and routines. Start by setting specific limits on the amount of time you spend on screens each day, and stick to those limits. If you find that you spend a lot of time on social media, you can use apps that help you limit the amount of time you spend with a specific app open. One of the most effective ways to reduce screen time is to find screen-free hobbies and interests, like reading, playing sports, making arts and crafts, or working out. It’s also a good idea to encourage face-to-face interactions with friends and family by planning fun activities that don’t involve screens, like board games or outdoor adventures. By making these adjustments, you can strike a healthier balance between screen time and other aspects of your life.

Average Screen Time for Teens

Screen time among teens and tweens is increasing rapidly. A report by Common Sense Media found that teens, on average, spent 8 hours and 39 minutes per day in front of screens for entertainment in 2021. This is a substantial increase from the 6 hours and 40 minutes reported in 2015. As technology becomes more and more accessible to teenagers, their screen time continues to increase. It is important for teenagers to be aware of their screen time so they can have a positive relationship with technology and live a balanced lifestyle.

(Source: The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens, 2021)

Parental Involvement

Parents can play a crucial role in helping their teenagers make smart choices about screen time and phone use. To start, it’s a good idea to have open and honest conversations about the importance of balance. Setting clear rules, like screen-free times during family meals or before bedtime, can be helpful in building good habits. Parents can also lead by example, showing responsible screen use. If your teenager sees your eyes glued to your smartphone, they’ll likely do the same.

Monitoring the content their teenagers access online and being aware of their social media activities is important for their safety. Encouraging other activities like outdoor play, reading, or hobbies can help teenagers find a healthy balance. Ultimately, it’s about communication, trust, and understanding to guide teens in using screens responsibly.