Managing Rising Screen Time and Bringing Back Active Play for Kids

Rising screen time among children has become a significant concern for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals. With the increasing prevalence of digital devices, children spend more time in front of screens, which has various implications for their physical health, psychological well-being, and educational development.

This expert guide provides comprehensive information on the effects of screen time, guidelines for managing it, and strategies for promoting healthier habits.

Statistics on Screen Time

In recent years, screen time has become a significant part of children's and teenagers' daily lives, and the numbers reflect a growing dependence on digital media.

Various studies conducted by reliable organizations paint a clear picture of how much time this young audience spends on screens and how this time is divided across different types of digital media and devices.

Screen Time Usage Across Age Groups

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reports that children aged 8 to 12 in the United States spend an average of 4 to 6 hours per day on screens, while teenagers can spend up to 9 hours daily.

This aligns closely with data from a 2019 report by Common Sense Media, which found that tweens (children aged 8 to 12) spent 4.44 hours daily on screen-based entertainment, while teenagers averaged around 7.22 hours.

Both studies indicate a significant rise in the time children and teens spend engaged in screen-based activities outside educational purposes, underscoring how these hours accumulate based on various forms of media consumption.

Growth in Online Video Consumption

Another significant trend across the reports is the rise in the consumption of online video content.

According to Common Sense Media, the number of tweens and teens watching online videos more than doubled between 2015 and 2019.

By the end of this period, over half of children aged 8 to 12 and nearly 70% of teenagers reported watching online videos daily. This shift highlights a growing preference for platforms like YouTube and other streaming sites among young audiences.

Television and Video Game Usage

In addition to time spent on mobile devices and online videos, television viewing remains prevalent across all age groups, even as other forms of screen time rise.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that approximately seven in ten children aged 0 to 18 watched television daily, a habit especially common among younger children.

Similarly, research from the Kaiser Family Foundation in 2010 revealed that approximately two-thirds (64%) of young people report that the TV is usually on during meals.

Nearly half (45%) say the television remains on in their home "most of the time," even when no one is actively watching it. Additionally, 71% of surveyed youth have a TV in their bedroom, and 50% have a video game console in their room.

Children from homes where the TV is frequently on spend significantly more time watching—about 1 hour and 30 minutes more per day in households where the TV is on most of the time and an extra hour among those who have a TV in their room.

Screen Use During Non-School Hours

Interestingly, UNICEF points to heightened mobile phone use in non-school settings.

During a typical week when children were not attending online classes, eight in ten children aged 7 to 18 used mobile phones daily, with usage increasing as they got older. This indicates that personal mobile devices dominate screen-based activities during hours outside formal learning or schoolwork.

International Comparisons

Internationally, the trend of growing screen time extends beyond the U.S.

A study involving 207,672 adolescents aged 12 to 15 from 37 countries revealed that 89% watched more than one hour of television daily. This increase in screen exposure is not confined to wealthier countries but is part of a global trend that affects youth across different socio-economic backgrounds.

Screen Trends Over the Past Decade

Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in screen time among children. This trend is attributed to the proliferation of digital devices, the rise of social media, and the increasing integration of technology into educational settings.

	TikTok Surpasses YouTube as the Most Popular App: According to a report by Maryville University, TikTok emerged as the dominant app among American teens and preteens in 2020, surpassing YouTube in popularity.  TikTok users devoted an average of 105.1 minutes daily to the platform, with 32% of young people regularly using the app. This shift underscores TikTok's rising influence in the digital media landscape, especially among younger audiences.
	Increasing Daily Screen Time for Preteens and Teens: According to data published by Act for Youth in 2024, almost all teenagers (96%) report using the internet daily, with 46% indicating that they are online almost constantly, showing a significant increase from 24% in 2015. The amount of time spent online varies across age groups and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Older teens, aged 15 to 17, are more likely to report being online nearly all the time (50%) compared to younger teens at 40%.
	Gender-Based Differences in Screen Usage: Over the past decade, patterns of screen usage have demonstrated various differences between adolescent boys and girls.  According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), adolescent girls tend to spend more time on social media, texting, general smartphone, and computer use. Meanwhile, boys dedicate more time to gaming and the use of electronic devices overall.
	TV Still Dominates Young Children's Screen Time: According to the Federal Trade Commission, television remains the dominant medium for children’s media consumption. Among children aged 0 to 8, approximately 65% watch TV at least once daily, with usage varying by age group: 37% of children aged 0 to 1, 73% of children aged 2 to 4, and 72% of those aged 5 to 8 regularly watch TV. On average, children in this age group spend 1 hour and 44 minutes per day watching TV or videos, compared to 29 minutes spent reading, 29 minutes listening to music, and 25 minutes playing video or computer games.

Comparison of Screen Time by Age Group

In a March 2020 survey conducted by Pew Research Center, parents were asked about their children's interaction with digital devices.

The results showed that television is the most commonly used device, with 88% of parents reporting that their child under the age of 12 interacts with a TV.

Additionally, 67% of parents said their child uses a tablet, and 60% mentioned their child's interaction with a smartphone. Around 44% of parents reported their child uses a desktop or laptop, and another 44% on a gaming device.

The chart below provides a visual breakdown of these statistics for clearer comparison.

The data revealed age-related differences in device use. For example, 73% of parents with children aged 9 to 11 said their child uses a desktop or laptop, compared to 54% of parents with children aged 5 to 8 and only 16% of parents with children younger than 5. 

Similarly, gaming device usage follows a pattern, with 68% of parents with children aged 9 to 11 reporting use, compared to 58% for ages 5 to 8, 25% for ages 3 to 4, and just 9% for children 2 or younger.

Tablet usage also varied by age, with 80% of parents with children aged 5 to 11 reporting usage, compared to 64% of parents with children aged 3 to 4 and 35% of parents with children 2 or younger.

However, differences in smartphone use were less significant across age groups, with 67% of parents of 9- to 11-year-olds, 59% of those with children aged 5 to 8, and 49% of those with children 2 or younger reporting use. For children aged 3 to 4, 62% of parents said their child interacts with a smartphone.

Even among the youngest children, television remains a commonly used device, with 74% of parents with children 2 or younger reporting its use and over 90% of parents with slightly older children saying the same.

Effects of Excessive Screen Time

Excessive screen time has a broad range of consequences, affecting individuals physically, socially, and psychologically.

Physical Effects

One of the key physical effects of prolonged screen use is disrupted sleep.

Exposure to blue light from devices, especially at night, interferes with the body's natural production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. This disruption can lead to poor sleep quality and difficulty falling asleep, leaving individuals feeling fatigued during the day.

According to research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), such disturbances can significantly impact daily functioning, particularly among adolescents, who may experience drowsiness and reduced academic performance due to shorter sleep cycles.

In addition to sleep issues, excessive screen time is closely linked to a more sedentary lifestyle, which contributes to weight gain and obesity. 

Studies have shown that spending long hours in front of screens, particularly when paired with exposure to advertisements promoting unhealthy foods, can lead to poor dietary habits. 

As noted by the Mayo Clinic Health System, children and adolescents who frequently watch TV or play video games are at a higher risk of becoming overweight, a risk that is further compounded when screens are present in the bedroom.

Social Effects

Excessive screen time can also hinder social development. Children and teens who spend large amounts of time on digital devices may miss out on opportunities for face-to-face interaction and active play. 

Over-reliance on screens can limit social engagement, leading to feelings of isolation and affecting the development of interpersonal skills.

Additionally, the constant notifications from social media and messaging apps can create pressure to remain online, which may increase social anxiety and make it harder to disconnect.

This shift in how young people interact with their peers also has implications for their academic lives.

As the Mayo Clinic Health System points out, children with screens in their bedrooms tend to perform worse in school, likely due to distractions that reduce focus on their studies.

The overuse of digital media cuts into time that could otherwise be spent on activities that promote cognitive and social development.

Psychological Effects

Psychologically, the effects of excessive screen time are profound, especially when it comes to sleep-related issues.

Research by the National Institute of Health suggests that sleep disturbances caused by late-night screen use are linked to mood disorders, including anxiety and depression.

Adolescents who spend more time online, particularly on social media, are more likely to experience feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and low self-esteem, as highlighted by the Child Mind Institute.

As Sasha, a 16-year-old junior in high school, puts it,

“Sometimes, looking at friends’ posts “makes you feel like everyone has it together but you.”

The constant comparison to others, alongside the pressure to stay connected, can exacerbate these issues.

Additionally, a case study conducted by the Kids Research Institute in Australia monitored 220 families over a two-and-a-half-year timeframe to explore the connection between family screen time and the language environment of children.

The results indicated that increased screen exposure for children correlated with reduced interaction with parents during crucial early developmental stages.

The most significant effects were observed when children reached the age of three. Specifically, each minute of screen time was linked to a decrease of seven adult words, five child vocalizations, and one fewer interactive exchange.

Dr. Mary Brushe, a senior research officer at Kids Health Institute, noted that families adhering to the World Health Organization's recommended screen time limit of one hour per day for children aged 36 months might be missing out on as many as 397 adult words, 294 vocalizations, and 68 conversational exchanges daily.

Learning Difficulties

Moreover, excessive screen time has been associated with attention problems in children, particularly those who are exposed to fast-paced digital content.

The National Institute of Health warns that this overstimulation can lead to difficulties with focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, which are often linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 

Studies have also shown that children who spend more time using screens may struggle with concentration, making it harder to engage in slower, more deliberate activities such as reading or completing homework.

The circular graph presented below clearly illustrates the impact of screen time on student learning challenges.

According to the data above, increased screen time exacerbates learning challenges. Specifically, 37% report that these challenges “Get much more severe,” while 51% indicate they “Get a little more severe.” 

A small portion of the respondents, 8%, believe screen time has no effect on learning challenges, as indicated by the "Not affected" category.

Even fewer respondents perceive positive outcomes, with 4% reporting that challenges "Get a little less severe" and a negligible percentage believing they "Get a lot less severe."

Benefits of Outdoor Play

Outdoor play is essential for children's holistic development, offering numerous benefits across physical, psychological, and social domains. Engaging children with outdoor play contributes to their development in the following ways:

Physical Benefits

Outdoor play is essential for physical development, particularly because it encourages movement and activity that children might not get indoors.

Harvard Health notes that sunlight is crucial for the production of Vitamin D, which supports bone growth and strengthens the immune system. Time spent outdoors allows children to soak up sunlight, which can help combat Vitamin D deficiencies that many children face.

In addition to the benefits of sun exposure, physical activity in outdoor settings is vital.

The Harvard Health Blog recommends that children engage in one hour of active play daily. Outdoor play provides the space needed for larger, more dynamic movements like running, jumping, and throwing, which are essential for physical growth and coordination.

According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, unstructured play outside not only helps reduce the risk of obesity but also improves overall fitness levels, which are crucial for long-term health.

Social Benefits

Outdoor play fosters significant social development. It allows children to interact with their peers in a more relaxed and imaginative setting, which can enhance their ability to form friendships and develop interpersonal skills.

These interactions help children solve problems, build relationships within their peer group, and gain a sense of connection with their environment, all of which are crucial for social growth.

Dr. Katie Lockwood, a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, says,

“Scheduling time to actively play outdoors sets a natural limit on the amount of time your child can spend with a device (such as TV, smartphone, or video game). It promotes active engagement with their peers and the natural environment, and helps them develop respect for the world and consideration for others around them.”

Psychological Benefits

The psychological benefits of outdoor play are just as profound. Physical activity, especially when done outdoors, has been linked to improved mental health.

An article published by Nido Early School states that children who play outside are more likely to experience better mood regulation and enhanced concentration. Time spent in nature also has a calming effect, which can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Unstructured outdoor play allows children to exercise their creativity and imagination.

According to Youth First, this type of play helps children develop executive function skills, such as planning, multitasking, and problem-solving, all of which are essential for navigating everyday challenges. 

The freedom to explore and create without the constraints of structured indoor environments gives children the space to experiment, learn, and grow mentally.

Practical Tips for Parents to Manage and Reduce Screen Time

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides several practical strategies to help families decrease screen use while promoting more active lifestyles.

Keep Track of Screen Time and Physical Activity

Start by keeping track of how much time your family spends in front of screens and how much physical activity they engage in. Screen time includes activities such as watching TV, playing video games, or using the computer for non-work or non-school purposes.

Ideally, children should spend no more than two hours a day on these activities while also aiming for at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical exercise. Being mindful of these two factors will help ensure that your family stays active and maintains a healthy energy balance.

Have Open Conversations With Your Family

Have an open conversation with your children about the importance of reducing screen time and increasing physical activity. Explain how moving more and sitting less can help them stay at a healthy weight, feel more energized, and develop new skills, like riding a bike or playing sports. 

It’s helpful to emphasize that the whole family will be working toward this goal together, which can increase motivation and create a sense of teamwork.

Set Limits on Screen Time

Setting clear boundaries around screen time is a key step in reducing its overuse. Implement a household rule limiting screen time to two hours or less per day, and ensure that these limits are enforced consistently. You can also use tools such as timers or parental control apps to help manage the time spent on electronic devices.

Minimize the Impact of TV in the Home

Avoid placing TVs, computers, or gaming consoles in your child's bedroom to encourage more interaction and prevent isolation. Research by the Federal Trade Commission shows that children with TVs in their rooms tend to watch about an hour and a half more per day compared to those without. This strategy will promote family interaction and limit screen time.

Make Family Mealtime Screen-Free

Turn mealtime into a screen-free, family-focused experience. Removing the TV from dining areas and turning off devices during meals fosters conversation and connection. An article by HealthyChildren highlights that families who eat together tend to consume more nutritious meals. Aim to have at least two to three family meals together each week to reinforce these healthy habits.

Provide Alternatives to Screen Time

Watching TV often becomes a default activity for children. Offering engaging alternatives, like outdoor play, learning a new hobby, or spending time with family, helps break this habit. Encourage your children to explore interests that promote physical activity and creativity, such as playing a sport, crafting, or engaging in imaginative play.

Be a Role Model

Children are more likely to follow screen time rules when they see their parents doing the same. Limit your own screen time to no more than two hours a day, and opt for family-oriented activities like playing a game or going for a walk. By setting a positive example, you can influence your children's habits in a more impactful way.

Avoid Using Screen Time as a Reward or Punishment

Using TV or video games as a reward or punishment can make these activities seem even more appealing to children. Instead, find non-screen-based methods of encouraging good behavior or setting consequences.

Teach Media Awareness and Critical Thinking

Help your children become savvy media consumers by teaching them how advertising works, especially in relation to food. Snack food ads, for example, are often designed to influence children's eating habits.

Encourage your child to question why certain products are promoted by their favorite cartoon characters and explain that these tactics are designed to increase sales. Programs like Media-Smart Youth: Eat, Think, and Be Active! can help children better understand the influence of advertising and make healthier choices.

Creative Ideas for Engaging Children in Outdoor Activities

Below are examples of creative ideas to engage your kids in outdoor activities.

Scavenger Hunts

Engage children in outdoor exploration by creating a list of natural items for them to find, such as specific leaves, rocks, or flowers. According to South Dakota State University, this activity promotes independent exploration, problem-solving and critical thought skills while making outdoor time fun.

Start a Family Garden

Next, start a family garden where children can plant seeds and water plants and learn about the growth process. An article titled “Gardening for Kids: 7 Reasons Planting Seeds Enriches Their Lives” by Rasmussen University claims that gardening builds confidence, improves focus and memory and relieves stress.

Nature-Inspired Art Activities

Bring art supplies outside and let your children create nature-inspired artwork using leaves, twigs, and stones. This not only gets them outdoors but also inspires creativity and fosters a connection with the environment.

Organize Physical Games

Incorporate physical activity into outdoor time by organizing games like tag, relay races, or obstacle courses. These games are not only fun but also improve fitness levels and enhance social skills through teamwork and cooperation.

Take Storytime Outdoors

Turn storytime into an outdoor activity by reading books under a tree or on a picnic blanket. This calms the mind while exposing children to nature. Jessica Logan, lead author of the study and assistant professor of educational studies at The Ohio State University, states that,

“Kids who hear more vocabulary words are going to be better prepared to see those words in print when they enter school. They are likely to pick up reading skills more quickly and easily.”

Role of Playground Equipment in Enticing Kids to Play Outside

Playground equipment plays a crucial role in attracting children to outdoor play:

Modern playgrounds offer diverse equipment, such as climbing structures, slides, swings, and interactive installations that cater to different interests and developmental stages.

An article by Michigan State University highlights that swings help children develop their sensory system and coordinated movement, whereas climbers and slides increase cardiovascular flow and develop their vestibular system.

Additionally, equipment designed for climbing, swinging, and sliding promotes physical fitness by encouraging children to engage in active play.

Playgrounds also serve as social hubs where children can interact with peers, learn teamwork skills, and develop friendships through cooperative play. Well-designed playgrounds provide safe environments where children can explore their limits physically while developing confidence in their abilities.

Furthermore, playgrounds incorporate natural elements or themed structures that inspire imaginative play scenarios, allowing children to create their own adventures outdoors.

Enhancing Child Development Through Innovative Playground Design

Climbing Structures

Structures such as climbing walls, rope ladders, and jungle gyms are designed to CHALLENGE children's strength, coordination, and balance.

An article by Swan Christian College notes that climbing structures give children opportunities to make choices, plan their actions, and evaluate risks, which aids in developing their cognitive skills.

The article also points out that playground equipment fosters creativity and imagination, enabling kids to participate in pretend play and enhance their storytelling abilities. 

As children navigate these structures, they engage in problem-solving and spatial awareness, which further stimulates cognitive development.

Swing Sets

Swing sets are also an excellent way to improve balance and coordination. This activity requires core strength and helps children develop rhythm and timing as they learn to control their movements.

Regular use of swings can also enhance upper body strength as children pull themselves up.

Slides

Slides, on the other hand, encourage climbing as children ascend to the top before sliding down. This repeated action builds lower body strength and improves agility.

The thrill of sliding down also promotes a sense of adventure, encouraging children to engage more frequently with the playground.

Balance Beams

Balance beam structures help develop balance and coordination skills. Walking across a balance beam requires focus and control, which can enhance motor skills while providing an enjoyable challenge for children.

Modern playgrounds increasingly incorporate fitness-focused equipment designed for children, such as pull-up bars, monkey bars, and obstacle courses. These installations provide structured physical challenges that promote strength training and cardiovascular fitness in an engaging way.

Examples of Playground Setups That Cater to Diverse Interests

Innovative play spaces with nature-inspired features like rock climbers and treehouse towers are revolutionizing outdoor recreation for children. These imaginative designs seamlessly integrate natural elements into traditional playground structures, creating engaging environments that spark curiosity and adventure.

Research by the National Center for Biotechnology Information highlights that these nature-inspired playgrounds encourage exploration and also help children foster a deeper connection with the environment. This approach offers children a rich experience that combines physical activity with environmental awareness, transforming how they interact with outdoor play areas.

Some playgrounds offer obstacle courses that combine various physical challenges such as climbing, jumping, and swinging. According to ACE Fitness, obstacle courses help children enhance sensory development and boost spatial awareness, body coordination, and other cognitive abilities.

Outdoor fitness parks equipped with exercise stations suitable for all ages allow families to engage in physical activity together. These parks often include equipment for strength training alongside traditional playground features, promoting intergenerational play.

Playgrounds designed around specific themes (e.g., pirate ships or space exploration) can stimulate imaginative play while incorporating physical challenges like climbing or sliding that align with the theme. 

The best time to introduce children to outdoor activities is during weekdays. Most parents are not available to engage with their children on weekdays due to factors such as work commitments.

The graph below shows a comparison of children's outdoor activity patterns on weekends versus weekdays. 

The bar graph illustrates children's daily outdoor time, comparing weekends to weekdays. For each category, two bars are shown side by side, with the darker bar representing weekends and the lighter bar representing weekdays. 

This table highlights that weekends are the best times for parents to introduce their children to playground activities because they spend the most time outdoors.

Examples of Case Studies Showing How Playground Design Benefits Children

Innovative playground designs that cater to children's developmental needs can significantly enhance their physical activity and social interaction.

Many playgrounds lack equipment that effectively supports essential physical skills and cooperative play, leading children to engage in solitary play or use equipment in unconventional ways.

Here are two case studies demonstrating how well-designed playgrounds have higher usage rates and increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among children.

Playground Design Impact on Child Development Study

A case study by Fatemeh Afsharlahoori at the Graduate School of Science and Technology, Chiba University, examined the impact of outdoor playground equipment on children's social and physical development.

The research highlighted a significant decline in children's playtime compared to previous generations. The study aimed to assess how existing playground equipment meets children's developmental needs and to identify gaps that could inform future designs.

The findings revealed that many playgrounds lacked equipment that effectively supported essential physical skills such as lifting, pushing, and pulling, as well as cooperative social play. 

Observations indicated that children often engaged in solitary play and sought new ways to use the equipment, demonstrating a disconnect between playground design and children's actual play behaviors.

For instance, while slides are intended for sliding down, children were seen using them in unconventional ways to seek more challenging activities.

The study also emphasized the importance of playground design in promoting children's health. Well-designed playgrounds with various equipment encourage active play, which is crucial for developing motor skills and reducing obesity risk. Equipment such as climbing structures, swings, and balance beams helps improve strength, coordination, and balance. 

Furthermore, features that facilitate cooperative play, like merry-go-rounds or seesaws, are essential for fostering teamwork and communication among children.

In conclusion, the research underscored the need for innovative playground designs that cater to children's developmental objectives. This study serves as a call to action for designers to consider children's needs when creating play environments that promote holistic growth.

Krajicek Playgrounds Boost Activity in Deprived Areas

A case study by the Richard Krajicek Foundation aimed to enhance physical activity (PA) among children in deprived neighborhoods by providing specially designed playgrounds. 

The cross-sectional observational study compared the usage and intensity of physical activity at Krajicek playgrounds with control playgrounds in the Netherlands. It involved ten Krajicek and ten control playgrounds, matched for neighborhood characteristics, and utilized direct observation methods to collect data on children's activity levels after school and on weekends.

The findings revealed that Krajicek playgrounds had a significantly higher usage rate, with only 12% being empty compared to 29% for control playgrounds. Additionally, boys were observed more frequently on Krajicek playgrounds (14 vs. 9). 

The average percentage of children engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was also higher at Krajicek playgrounds (13%) compared to control playgrounds (10%). Furthermore, energy expenditure per child was greater on Krajicek playgrounds across all groups.

The study concluded that Krajicek playgrounds positively influence both the usage and intensity of physical activity among children in deprived neighborhoods, suggesting that such playgrounds can effectively promote healthier activity levels in these communities.

Prioritize Outdoor Play for a Healthier Childhood

The excessive screen time children are experiencing today has far-reaching implications for their physical, psychological, and social well-being. It is crucial for parents to recognize the detrimental effects of excessive screen time and actively seek strategies to reduce it.

Playgrounds offer a valuable resource for promoting outdoor play and reducing screen time. The benefits of playgrounds extend beyond physical health, fostering social development, cognitive skills, and a connection with nature.

Parents, it's time to take action! Explore the playgrounds in your community and encourage your children to spend more time outdoors.

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