Screen time refers to the amount of time spent using or viewing digital screens, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions. With the rise in popularity of mobile devices and media streaming services, screen time has increased significantly over the past decade, especially among children and teenagers. Understanding what is included in screen time and setting healthy limits is an important issue for many families today.
Smartphones
One of the most common sources of screen time comes from smartphones, such as iPhones and Android devices. Time spent on smartphones counts fully towards total screen time. Smartphone use includes:
- Browsing the internet
- Using social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
- Streaming videos or music
- Playing games
- Checking and replying to emails/texts
The average adult spends over 3 hours per day on their smartphone, with even higher usage among teens. This mobile screen time adds up quickly and can have negative effects on productivity, focus, sleep, and relationships if not managed properly.
Tablets
Tablets such as iPads and Kindle Fires are another source of screen time. Any activity done on a tablet counts towards total screen time, including:
- Reading ebooks
- Playing games
- Watching videos
- Browsing the internet
- Using apps
Tablets are popular among children for playing games and watching videos. Excessive tablet use has been linked with speech delays and other developmental issues in early childhood. For kids under 5, less than 1 hour per day of tablet use is recommended.
Computers
Traditional desktop and laptop computers also contribute to screen time. Time spent in front of a computer display for any purpose counts as screen time, such as:
- Working
- Emailing
- Browsing the web
- Online shopping
- Watching online videos
- Using social media
- Gaming
While computers are necessary for school and office work, recreational computer use should be moderated as part of a healthy screen time diet. Extra computer use is associated with increased risk of eyestrain, poor posture, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Televisions
Watching television is one of the oldest forms of screen time, but still contributes significantly to total daily screen exposure. Time spent viewing live or streaming TV programs on any device counts as screen time, such as:
- Smart TVs
- Cable/satellite televisions
- Media streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV
- Gaming consoles when used for watching shows
- Computers, tablets, and phones when viewing television shows or movies
Experts recommend no more than 2 hours per day of recreational screen time for kids over 6, including TV viewing. Excessive TV viewing is linked with obesity, sleep issues, behavior problems, and exposure to violence and adult content.
Gaming Consoles
Video game consoles are highly engaging sources of screen time, such as:
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation
- Xbox
- Wii
- Handheld gaming devices
Any time playing games on these consoles counts as screen time. While video games can have social and problem-solving benefits in moderation, excessive gaming is associated with aggressiveness, addiction, childhood obesity, and wrist/hand pain.
E-Readers
E-readers like Kindle and Nook provide a digital reading experience. Opinions vary on whether using an e-reader counts as screen time. Some experts argue that reading an e-book is functionally equivalent to reading a paper book, while others consider the electronic display to still be screen time. Moderation is still advised with e-readers to avoid eye and posture strain.
Smartwatches
Wearable devices like the Apple Watch and Fitbits have small but active screens. Time spent actively using the screen of a smartwatch or fitness tracker counts towards screen time, such as:
- Looking at notifications
- Checking the time
- Using apps
- Monitoring activity stats
While smartwatches do have some benefits like promoting physical activity, frequent use can contribute to information overload and become a distraction. Apps that promote mindfulness and focus may help counterbalance smartwatch screen time.
Digital Assistants
Digital home assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomePod all have LED visual interfaces. However, time spent simply talking to these devices likely does not constitute screen time since the screens are small and not the main interaction mode. But interactive sessions which rely on the screen, like watching cooking videos on Echo Show, would count as screen time.
Dashboard Displays
Digital dashboards in cars and other vehicles also have screen time implications. Actively viewing or interacting with the dashboard screen counts as screen time, whether as a driver or passenger. This includes using touchscreens for navigation, entertainment, vehicle information, and more. Dash screen time is a relatively new phenomenon but contributes to overall daily screen exposure.
Wearable Cameras
Wearable cameras like Snap Spectacles or GoPro devices contain screens for wireless viewing and transfer of photos/videos. Using the screens on these devices to browse and manage media would constitute screen time. However, merely recording videos or taking pictures without immediately viewing them on-screen generally would not count as screen time.
Security Systems
Security cameras and video doorbells like Nest and Ring often connect to smartphone apps and allow real-time viewing of camera feeds. Time spent actively monitoring connected security cameras from a smartphone screen would count towards total screen time. Unmonitored security footage, however, does not constitute screen time just by passive recording.
Toys
Some smart toys for kids feature tablets or other visual interfaces as part of gameplay. Interacting with the screen elements of these connected toys constitutes screen time for kids. Examples include:
- Smart baby/toddler tablets
- Educational game systems
- Interactive smart stuffed animals
- Augmented reality games
Moderating a child’s use of screen-based smart toys is important to allow for other forms of learning and development through hands-on play.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) headsets like Oculus transport the user into an immersive digital environment. The use of VR gear represents intense screen time as the wearer is surrounded by the visual display. Motion sickness and collision injuries are potential downsides of lengthy VR sessions.
Digital Billboards
Large electronic billboards and public advertising displays qualify as screen time from an observational standpoint. Actively looking at and processing the information on digital billboards contributes to total daily screen exposure. However, passive viewing of digital signs in the environment generally does not constitute significant screen time.
Calculators/Timers
Simple digital calculators and count-up/count-down timers only have basic numeric displays. While these devices do have illuminated screens, their use does not contribute meaningful screen time since they display limited information and are designed for very specific utility purposes.
Alarm Clocks
Digital alarm clock screens are similarly minimal, displaying only time and alarm settings. Brief usage setting alarms or checking the time on a basic alarm clock does not count as significant screen time. However, more advanced clocks with Internet connectivity enabling streaming or app usage could generate screen time when those features are used.
Medical Displays
Digital displays are commonly used in healthcare settings on medical monitors and readings devices. However, screen time is not a major consideration during medical exams and procedures. The medical displays are presenting important health data, not being used for entertainment or leisure purposes.
Conclusion
Any device with an illuminated visual interface that is used for information, entertainment, communication or other interactive purposes has the potential to contribute to screen time. Smartphones, tablets, computers, and TVs are among the most common sources, but even wearable devices, car displays, and VR gear can provide significant screen exposure that should be moderated. Being mindful of total daily screen time across devices is important for maintaining focus, sleep health, proper posture, and real-life social connections.