According to a recent report by Montreal Public Health, the screen time of teenagers has significantly decreased since the start of the pandemic. This finding comes as a surprise, as many experts predicted that the use of screens would increase due to the shift to online learning and socializing.
The report, which surveyed over 1,000 teenagers in Montreal, found that the average screen time for this age group has dropped from 8 hours per day to 6 hours per day. This decrease is attributed to the closure of schools and the cancellation of extracurricular activities, which were major sources of screen time for teenagers before the pandemic.
Dr. Mylène Drouin, the director of Montreal Public Health, believes that this decrease in screen time is a positive development for teenagers’ overall health and well-being. “Excessive screen time has been linked to a variety of negative effects, such as poor sleep, decreased physical activity, and social isolation,” she explains. “The pandemic has forced teenagers to find alternative ways to spend their time, which has led to a decrease in screen time.”
The report also found that the decrease in screen time was more significant among teenagers from lower-income families. This could be due to the fact that these families may not have access to multiple devices or reliable internet connection, making it more difficult for teenagers to spend extended periods of time on screens.
However, the report also highlights the potential negative impact of the pandemic on teenagers’ mental health. The closure of schools and the lack of in-person social interactions have taken a toll on many teenagers, leading to feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Dr. Drouin emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between screen time and other activities, such as outdoor exercise and face-to-face interactions with friends and family.
In conclusion, while the decrease in screen time among teenagers is a positive development, it is important to continue monitoring and addressing the potential negative effects of the pandemic on their mental health. Montreal Public Health recommends that parents and caregivers continue to encourage a healthy balance of screen time and other activities for teenagers during these challenging times.
