Recommended Screen Time for Teens (And Why It Matters)

Do you feel like your teenager's daily screen time usage is higher than it should be? If so, many other parents are in the same shoes. With frequent text messages, entertainment media, video chatting, and other forms of technology use, it’s very normal to worry about how much time teenagers spend using screens. So, what do screen time recommendations for teens say? Perhaps more importantly, what are the effects of excessive screen time, and how can parents limit screen time for teens?

In this article, we'll talk about screen time recommendations for teens, the effects of too much screen time, and the signs of screen addiction. Then, we'll discuss ways to limit a teenager's screen time effectively and how Joon can help.

Note: Looking for a way to motivate your child to start and finish offline responsibilities like household chores? Try Joon, the to-do app that doubles as a game. Joon has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in the App Store and is backed by professionals such as child psychologists, teachers, and occupational therapists. Click here to try it for free. 

How Much Screen Time Is Ideal For Teenagers?

According to the AACAP, the average screen time for teens is up to nine hours per day - far more than what’s ideal. While opinions differ, many experts say teens should engage in recreational screen time for two hours per day or less. 

Recreational screen usage differs from educational screen time, which may be necessary for learning and school. Examples of recreational screen time include using social media, playing non-educational computer games, and watching TV. Educational screen time, like computer use for school work, is not the same as purely recreational screen time.

While ideal screen time limits for teens can vary and might differ based on opinion or the unique needs of your teenager, the AACAP recommends that parents help adolescents build healthy habits around using technology. The effects of too much time spent using screens are serious but avoidable.

Effects Of Too Much Screen Time On Teens

Since excessive screen time is so prevalent among teens, it's easy to overlook just how harmful it can be. In reality, too much screen time can affect a teenager's mental and physical well-being. Common effects of too much screen time on teenagers include but aren't limited to the following.

• Eye strain
• Increased trouble concentrating or focusing
• Pain in the neck, hands, or back from holding phones or using other devices
• Mental health challenges (e.g., increased anxiety, stress, depression, feelings of missing out, or comparison to others)
• Loss of interest in other free time activities
• Lower levels of physical activity
• Sleep problems

Online bullying, having private information leaked on social media or sharing private information online, being targeted as a minor, and other concerns are also prevalent. Stay aware of online safety tips and let teenagers know it's safe to come to you if something negative happens while they're online.

Signs Of Screen Addiction In Teens

Screen time addiction can affect people of all ages, including children, teens, and adults. Signs of screen addiction in kids and teens can include but aren't limited to the following.

• Avoiding responsibilities (e.g., a school project, homework, extracurricular activities, or chores) in favor of screen time
• Emotional withdrawal symptoms such as irritability or anger when electronic devices are taken away or cannot be accessed
• Letting offline friendships fall to the wayside in favor of time spent online
• Lack of interest in offline activities one used to enjoy
• Lying in an attempt to hide excessive screen time use
• Inability to control or limit media use even if one wants to do so
• Only feeling happy when using technology
• Back, hand, neck, or eye pain

Although there are upsides to technology and it isn't all bad, balance is imperative to avoid the effects of screen addiction or excessive screen time.

Limiting Screen Time For Teens

With the potential consequences of too much technology in mind, limiting time spent on screens matters. Luckily, parents can help young people build healthy habits around screen time. Here are some steps to take.

Set limits

Set reasonable and sustainable limits for teenagers. Examples of screen time limits you might present include:

• No screens during meal times and family activities
• Electronic devices must be stored outside of a teen's bedroom at night
• Screens should only be used at certain times (e.g., after homework only, and only until a certain time at night)

Once parents set limits, it's important to stick to them. Give fair explanations if your teens ask questions, and try to remain calm and empathetic. Remember, emotional withdrawal symptoms from technology could be at play.

Be a good example

Look at your own technology use habits - how much time do you spend watching TV or playing games? How much time do you spend on social media? If your own screen time is high, it may be time to reduce it to set a good example for teens. Find offline activities to enjoy and consider if there's anything you've been neglecting in favor of screen time.

When you do this, see if there's anything you can involve teens in, too. For example, making a new recipe for dinner, home renovation projects, or outdoor activities.

Involve teens in other activities

It's pretty standard to watch TV, turn to social media, or play video games when you don't have another obligation in mind. Many adults do this without realizing it, and the same is true for most teens. Does your teen like creating music? If so, can you search for affordable individual or group music classes in your area? Is there a form of physical activity they like, and are there classes for that activity near you?

Adding a non-tech activity that'll be built into your teen's schedule from here on out is a great way to make the transition to less screen time feel more natural.

Plan family time

Similar to setting a good example, family time activities are a great way to pull teens away from screens without making them feel singled out. Rather than watching TV or playing video games, try one of the following teen-friendly family activities:

• Board game nights
• Family hikes or nature walks
• Sports
• Bowling
• Museums
• Art

In the right weather, you can also try swimming, camping, going to the beach, skiing, snowboarding, or something else. Of course, this is not an extensive list; think of what your teen likes and what’s accessible for your family. 

Encourage seeing real-life friends

For younger kids, playdates are common and can help children spend more time offline. While taking the initiative to set up a playdate is unlikely suitable for parents with teens, what you can do is encourage your teenager to spend time with friends and help them make plans. Is there a friend who might want to go swimming, go to the mall, or otherwise hang out face-to-face? Who might your teen be happy to see? Bring it up casually and help them connect. 

If concerns are severe, seek help

You know your child best. If excessive screen time negatively affects an adolescent, it may be time to look for support in the form of mental health therapy. Mental health support is by no means a punishment. Most professionals who work with kids and teens are familiar with screen addiction and related concerns, like online bullying, comparison to others, and feelings of anxiety or depression.

Takeaway 

Many teens spend more time viewing screens than they should. There are consequences of excessive screen time, including but not limited to becoming less physically active, negative mental health effects, and letting real-life responsibilities or activities fall to the wayside. The good news is that parents can decrease the amount of time children and adolescents spend online. Family activities, screen time limits, and other practices can help with spending time offline. If these concerns are affecting your teen's life negatively, consult with a mental health provider who can help.

Try Joon To Help

Joon is an excellent way to encourage healthy routines and productive offline activities. Designed with the ADHD brain in mind, Joon is a to-do app that doubles as a game. Here's how it works and why it helps:

Parents download the Joon parent app first and customize a task list for their children. Examples of tasks you might add include homework, chores, personal hygiene activities, or other pieces of your child's ideal routine. Kids use a separate app called Joon Pet Game. In order to receive rewards that allow them to move forward in the game and care for a virtual pet, called a Doter, children must finish the tasks parents assign.

Joon acts as a reward system and helps kids focus on the offline activities or obligations assigned by parents, which is how the app can help you limit your child or teen's screen time. 90% of kids who use Joon finish all their assigned tasks, and many parents say it's improved their parent-child relationship. Joon is suitable for kids ages 6-12 or above.

Click here to download the app and get started.