Screens and Digital Behaviour

Screens and Digital Behaviour

The rise in screen time, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised concerns about its impact on children’s health. Only 25.6% of Canadian children and youth adhered to screen time guidelines six months into the pandemic.

Using the Ministry of Education’s Foundations for a Healthy School framework, schools, parents, community partners and policymakers can promote healthier digital habits and prioritize the well-being of children and youth. Additionally, Canadian Paediatric Society’s Caring for Kids webpage has several resources including information, posters, booklets and tips for screen and social media use.

Download the Framework

 

Screen Time vs Screen Use

Screen time refers to the total duration spent using devices with screens, such as smartphones, computers, televisions, tablets, and video game consoles, encompassing both passive activities like watching TV and interactive activities like gaming and online learning. Screen use, on the other hand, focuses on the nature and context of these activities, distinguishing between educational purposes, social interactions, and entertainment. Understanding both screen time and screen use is crucial, as the impact on health and well-being can vary significantly depending on the type and context of screen engagement.

 

Key Statistics

  • Screen Time Adherence: 54.1% of children aged 3-4, 65.9% of children aged 5-11, and 51.5% of youth aged 12-17 adhered to screen time guidelines.
  • Recreational Screen Time: 83% of students spend 3+ hours daily on screens, exceeding recommended limits.
  • Social Media Use: 93% of youth aged 15-24 use text messaging, 91% use social networking sites, and 66% play online games.

Curriculum Supports

Screen Use Policies and Digital Literacy

Recommendations for Parents

How Much Screen Time is too Much?

To combat the risks associated with screen and digital device use, the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines provides recommendations for limiting screen time and sedentary behaviour throughout the day. The combinations of less sitting time and moderate to vigorous physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality.

View the Guidelines

 

Guidelines

  • Maintain daily ‘screen free’ time especially during meals and book time
  • No screens at least 1 hour before bedtime (CPS, 2017)
  • Choose an alternative like reading, movement, outdoor play and creative, hands-on activities
  • Turn off devices at home during family time including mealtimes
  • Turn off screens when not in use and avoid background TV
  • Strategies to reduce screen time in children may also need to target adult screen use
  • Infants <1: Screen time is not recommended
  • Ages 1-2 Years: No more than 1 hour – less is better
  • Ages 3-5 Years: Limit routine or regular screen time to less than 1 hour per day – less is better
  • Ages <5 Years: ensure sedentary screen time is not a routine part of childcare
  • No more than 2 hours a day of recreational screen time
  • Limited sitting for extended periods
  • No more than 3 hours of recreational screen time
  • Model healthy screen use
  • Most adults think it is appropriate to limit children’s screen time to the recommended ≤ 2 h/day but few adults themselves adhere to this screen time limit.

 

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