A recent survey reveals that half of American teens aged 12 to 17 spend at least four hours daily on screens—smartphones, computers, or televisions.
Researchers from the CDC noted that increased screen time correlates with higher rates of anxiety and depression among teens.
About 27% of those with four or more hours of screen time reported anxiety, compared to 12.3% of those with less.
Similarly, 26% of high screen-time teens reported depression, while only 9.5% of those with lower screen time did.
The survey, conducted from mid-2021 to late 2023, showed minimal gender differences in screen use, with 48% of boys and 52.5% of girls spending four or more hours on devices.
Screen time increased with age, from 45.6% of 12- to 14-year-olds to 55% of 15- to 17-year-olds. Only 27% of teens reported spending two or fewer hours on screens daily.
Urban teens were more likely to spend over four hours on screens (51.4%) compared to rural teens (43.3%).
The study highlighted previous links between high screen time and adverse health outcomes like poor sleep and mental health issues.
These findings were published in an NCHS Data Brief.
