Media release

From: JAMA

Changes in Child, Adolescent Screen Time During Pandemic

JAMA Pediatrics
Original Investigation

Assessment of Changes in Child and Adolescent Screen Time During the COVID-19 Pandemic

About The Study: This systematic review and meta-analysis of 46 studies including 29,000 children and adolescents indicates that, on average, screen time increased by 52%, or 84 min/day (1.4 hours/day), during the pandemic. Compared with a pre-pandemic baseline value of 2.7 hours/day, this increase corresponds to a daily average of 4.1 hours/day of screen time across all children and adolescents during the pandemic. Screen time increases were highest for individuals ages 12 to 18 and for handheld devices and personal computers. Practitioners and pandemic recovery initiatives should focus on fostering healthy device habits, including moderating use, monitoring content, prioritizing device-free time, and using screens for creativity or connection.

Authors: Sheri Madigan, Ph.D., of the University of Calgary, is the corresponding author.

(doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.4116)

Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.