Young people's screen time increased as the mix of activities changed
A review found rising overall screen time, declining traditional television viewing, and more computer and video-game use, with increases especially apparent after the pandemic began.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The review describes increasing screen time among children and adolescents over the period studied, especially after the pandemic began. It also shows a shift in activities, with less traditional television watching and more computer and video-game use. These observational trends do not establish what caused the changes or whether they affected health.
This abstract-based account provides no pooled estimate of how much screen time changed. Studies used different definitions and measurements, limiting comparisons; repeated cross-sectional data also cannot establish how an individual's screen use changed.
What researchers found
Overall screen time
Later versus earlier population surveys across 1991-2022, with increases especially apparent after the pandemic began; no common effect estimate was reported.
Changing activities matter
An overall screen-time total can conceal shifts between activities. The review found less traditional television watching alongside more computer and video-game use, so the reported trend was not identical for every screen activity.
Population trends and individuals
Repeated cross-sectional studies compare population snapshots from different times. They can describe changing patterns among young people, but they do not necessarily follow the same children or show how an individual's screen use developed.
The original publication
Long-Term Trends in Screen Time Use Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review Including Pre- and Post-COVID Periods.
Mori Y, Silwal S, Wan Mohd Yunus WMA et al.
Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41863157
- Record checked
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.