Screen Time Trends 2023: Global Shifts, Mobile vs. Desktop, and Impacts on Kids

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How much time do you spend each day staring at the glowing screen of your computer or smartphone? If recent global research is accurate, that number is around 7 hours daily – although, in reality, it may be even higher.

Now, think about your children. How much time do they spend on their screens? The data shows that 11 to 14-year-olds can spend up to 9 hours a day on their devices. Unfortunately, research suggests that this excessive screen time may be negatively affecting their mental and physical health.

Below, we’re exploring the essential screen time statistics for 2023. We’ll explore how much time the average person spends on their phone globally, breaking it down by country and analyzing how screen time trends have changed over the past decade.

We’ll also look at what adults and children are doing during their screen time and share our best tips to help you and your family stay safe online. Additionally, we’ll discuss the latest research on how screen time affects young people and help you answer that all-important question – how much screen time is too much?

Keep reading for the top screen time statistics in 2023.

Top 15 screen time statistics 2023

Research from Data Reportal in 2023 shows that the average daily screen time for users aged 16 to 64 worldwide, across all platforms and devices, is 6 hours and 37 minutes.
Mobile devices take up most of this time, with global users spending an average of 3 hours and 46 minutes glued to their smartphones in 2023. Desktop computer screens are close behind at 2 hours and 51 minutes (Data Reportal).
Since 2013, the average global daily screen time has increased by 18 minutes (Data Reportal).
On average, people worldwide spend about 44% of their waking hours looking at screens (Data Reportal).
In the UK, users spend an average of 2 hours and 55 minutes per day on desktops and 2 hours and 52 minutes on mobile devices (Data Reportal).
Between 2022 and 2023, screen time grew the most in the Netherlands, increasing by 16 minutes, while it decreased the most in the Philippines, dropping by 73 minutes (Data Reportal).
Screen time is highest among US children in the 11 to 14-year-old age group, averaging 9 hours per day (CDC).
US teens from lower-income households (earning less than $35,000 annually) spend 9 hours and 19 minutes daily on their screens, which is 2 hours and 3 minutes more than teens from higher-income households ($100,000+ annually) (Common Sense Media).
A survey by EdWeek Research Center found that 80% of K-12 educators in the US believe that increased screen time has worsened children's behavior.
Two-thirds (67%) of UK parents are worried about what their children watch online, according to Survation, commissioned by the BBC.
Four in five (79%) UK parents think their children’s screen time has increased since the pandemic (BBC).
Data Reportal reveals that 90.9% of people use the internet to stream content from platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
South Africans spend the most time on screens globally, averaging 9 hours and 27 minutes daily on their devices (Statista).
South Africa leads the world in desktop device usage alone, with an average daily usage of 4 hours and 25 minutes (Data Reportal).
The Philippines tops the list when it comes to mobile devices, with users spending an average of 5 hours and 31 minutes using them daily (Data Reportal).

What is screen time, and why does it matter?

Screen time refers to the duration a person spends interacting with electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs, and other digital screens.

This can involve using apps like games or social media, streaming videos, browsing the internet, working, studying, or engaging in any activity that requires screen use. Screen time can be both productive and recreational. When used effectively, screens can enhance work, learning, and communication.

Although research (which we’ll explore below) highlights the negative effects of excessive screen time, it’s essential not to label all screen time as harmful. The key is maintaining a balance between screen use and time away from devices, which promotes better overall well-being.

How much time does the average person spend on their phone?

In 2023, the global average screen time for users aged 16 to 64 – across different devices and platforms – is 6 hours and 37 minutes per day. However, as we’ll see later, screen time varies across countries and depends on how people use their devices.

Global screen time usage statistics from 2013 to 2023

Historical data on average internet-connected screen time shows that global screen usage has steadily increased over the years.

2013: 6 hrs 19 mins
2014: 6 hrs 23 mins
2015: 6 hrs 20 mins
2016: 6 hrs 29 mins
2017: 6 hrs 46 mins
2018: 6 hrs 48 mins
2019: 6 hrs 38 mins
2020: 6 hrs 54 mins
2021: 6 hrs 58 mins
2022: 6 hrs 28 mins
2023: 6 hrs 37 mins

(Data taken from Q3 each year)

Interestingly, even during the pandemic years of 2021 and 2022, when lockdowns were widespread, global screen time didn’t show a massive increase. However, mobile screen time rose from 2 hours and 56 minutes in 2019 to 4 hours and 12 minutes in 2021 – a 30% jump that likely reflects how COVID-19 increased our dependence on smartphones.

Looking at the bigger picture, the trend suggests a slow but steady rise in the amount of time people spend on screens globally, despite a slight decline in the last couple of years. However, this trend isn’t universal, and the rate of change varies significantly from country to country.

Increase in screen time around the world

Between 2022 and 2023, only four countries experienced an increase in average screen time, with the Netherlands seeing the largest growth:

Netherlands (+16 minutes)
China (+10 minutes)
Russia (+7 minutes)
Poland (+2 minutes)

Decrease in screen time around the world

From 2022 to 2023, most countries experienced a decline in average screen time. The Philippines saw the biggest drop at -1 hour and 13 minutes, followed by South Africa, which recorded a decrease of -1 hour and 8 minutes.

The list of countries that experienced a decline in screen time between 2022 and 2023 includes:

The Philippines (-73 minutes)
South Africa (-68 minutes)
United Arab Emirates (-64 minutes)
Malaysia (-64 minutes)
Colombia (-62 minutes)
Thailand (-60 minutes)
Indonesia (-55 minutes)
India (-55 minutes)
Taiwan (-53 minutes)
Mexico (-48 minutes)
Brazil (-47 minutes)
Saudi Arabia (-45 minutes)
Japan (-40 minutes)
Argentina (-37 minutes)
Turkey (-36 minutes)
Ireland (-32 minutes)
Singapore (-29 minutes)
Israel (-27 minutes)
United Kingdom (-25 minutes)
Australia (-22 minutes)
Egypt (-21 minutes)
Hong Kong (-20 minutes)
Austria (-20 minutes)
Sweden (-19 minutes)
Spain (-19 minutes)
Portugal (-19 minutes)
Belgium (-17 minutes)
Vietnam (-15 minutes)
Italy (-15 minutes)
New Zealand (-11 minutes)
Germany (-10 minutes)
Canada (-10 minutes)
France (-8 minutes)
South Korea (-8 minutes)
Switzerland (-7 minutes)
Greece (-6 minutes)
Romania (-6 minutes)
Denmark (-5 minutes)
USA (-5 minutes)

Screen time usage increase in children

It’s no surprise that adults spend a lot of time on their phones, regardless of where they are. However, for children, these screen time numbers are often even higher – particularly within certain age groups.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average daily screen time for children in the US breaks down as follows:

6 hours for 8- to 10-year-olds
9 hours for 11- to 14-year-olds
7.5 hours for 15- to 18-year-olds

These numbers do not account for screen use related to education, highlighting the importance of looking beyond just the amount of time spent on screens. It’s also essential to consider how that time is being used.

To address this, researchers from the University of Queensland’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in Australia analyzed data from over 400,000 children worldwide across multiple studies. They divided screen time into two categories:

“Active” use: Engaging in activities like surfing the internet or playing online games
“Passive” use: More passive activities such as watching TV or streaming videos online

We’ll explore the study’s findings on children’s screen time below. But this raises an important question – what exactly are people doing during their screen time?

What is the average person spending their screen time on?

Much of the time people spend on their screens is dedicated to watching movies and TV shows online. According to Data Reportal, 90.9% of people use the internet to access streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Globally, the countries where the highest percentage of people stream TV online are:

Philippines (97.9%)
Mexico (97.7%)
Brazil (97.6%)
India (97.5%)

However, another significant factor contributing to screen time is social media. In the UK, people spend an average of 1 hour and 56 minutes per day on social media, which accounts for 33% of their total screen time. Similarly, Americans spend 2 hours and 46 minutes daily on social media, making up 32.46% of their overall screen time. But both countries lag behind India, where 44.39% of screen time is spent on social platforms. Other countries exceeding the global average of 38.05% include:

Indonesia (42.86%)
Mexico (41.27%)
Saudi Arabia (41.14%)
Chile (40.31%)
Philippines (40.25%)
Vietnam (39.69%)
Brazil (39.51%)
Colombia (39.19%)
Turkey (39.19%)
South Africa (38.75%)

US teenagers, according to Common Sense Media, spend most of their screen time watching TV or videos, averaging 3 hours and 16 minutes daily. This is followed by:

Gaming (1 hour and 46 minutes)
Social media (1 hour and 27 minutes)
Browsing websites (51 minutes)
Other activities (29 minutes)
Video chatting (20 minutes)
E-reading (15 minutes)
Content creation (14 minutes)

Household income also affects how much time teenagers spend on screens. US teens from lower-income households (earning less than $35,000 annually) spend 9 hours and 19 minutes on screens daily. This is 2 hours and 3 minutes more than teens from higher-income households (earning $100,000 or more annually), according to Common Sense Media.

Screen time statistics by country

According to Statista, South Africans lead the world in screen time. As of Q4 2022, internet users in the country spent an impressive 9 hours and 27 minutes daily on their devices.

Brazil follows closely, with residents spending 9 hours and 15 minutes per day on their screens. On the other hand, Japan records the lowest screen time globally, where people spend less than 4 hours a day on the internet.

Desktop screen time statistics by country

When it comes to computer screen time, South Africans again take the top spot, averaging 4 hours and 25 minutes daily (Data Reportal).

Russia comes in second with 4 hours and 17 minutes per day. Colombia follows in third place with 4 hours and 11 minutes, while Argentina (4 hours and 6 minutes) and Brazil (4 hours and 4 minutes) complete the top five. Other countries with high desktop screen time include:

Portugal (3 hours and 56 minutes)
Chile (3 hours and 50 minutes)
Philippines (3 hours and 43 minutes)
Malaysia (3 hours and 38 minutes)
Singapore (3 hours and 36 minutes)

In the UK, people spend an average of 2 hours and 55 minutes daily on desktops, slightly more than on mobile devices. This puts the UK in 31st place globally for desktop screen time (Data Reportal).

Americans spend more time on desktops, with an average of 3 hours and 31 minutes per day, placing the US 14th worldwide in this category.

At the bottom of the list, Japan records the lowest desktop screen time at 1 hour and 51 minutes daily. China follows with 2 hours and 9 minutes, while India’s 2 hours and 28 minutes is close behind. Countries like the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and South Korea also report relatively low desktop screen time.

Globally, the average screen user spends 2 hours and 51 minutes per day on their computers in 2023, a 23-minute drop from the 2022 average of 3 hours and 14 minutes.

Mobile screen time statistics by country

When it comes to mobile screen time, Data Reportal highlights the Philippines as the global leader, with an average of 5 hours and 31 minutes per day in 2023. Brazil is not far behind, with residents spending 5 hours and 28 minutes daily on their mobile devices. South Africa also ranks high, with 5 hours and 13 minutes of mobile screen time each day.

Here’s how the rest of the top 10 mobile screen-using countries rank:

Thailand (5 hours and 5 minutes)
Argentina (4 hours and 55 minutes)
Indonesia (4 hours and 53 minutes)
Colombia (4 hours and 50 minutes)
Chile (4 hours and 46 minutes)
Mexico (4 hours and 32 minutes)
Malaysia (4 hours and 28 minutes)

In the UK, mobile users spend 2 hours and 52 minutes per day on their devices – just 3 minutes less than the average desktop screen time – placing the UK 36th in global mobile screen usage.

In the US, mobile users spend 3 hours and 28 minutes daily on their devices, ranking 22nd globally.

Countries with the lowest mobile screen time include Japan, where people spend just 1 hour and 54 minutes per day on their phones. Denmark (2 hours and 14 minutes) and Belgium (2 hours and 19 minutes) are also on the lower end. Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and France reflect Europe’s general trend toward reduced mobile screen time (Data Reportal).

Globally, the average user spent 3 hours and 46 minutes on their mobile devices daily in 2023, a slight increase of 2 minutes compared to 2022.

What are the risks of high screen time – and its effects on kids?

We all enjoy binge-watching Netflix or catching up on the latest news online, but spending too much time on screens comes with its share of risks. These include:

Disrupted sleep patterns: Staying up late to scroll through social media or watch TV can interfere with quality sleep. Additionally, the blue light emitted by screens affects the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep.
Eye strain and discomfort: Spending long hours on screens can cause dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision – common symptoms of digital eye strain, also known as “computer vision.”
Obesity and physical issues: More screen time often means less physical activity, increasing the risk of obesity. It can also lead to poor posture and musculoskeletal problems, resulting in neck, shoulder, and back pain.
Mental health concerns: Excessive screen time, especially on social media, can contribute to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Decline in academic and work performance: Spending too much time on screens can distract from academic, professional, and personal responsibilities, reducing focus, productivity, and performance.

Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of high screen time. Prolonged exposure to screens has been associated with negative impacts on a child’s developing brain, affecting attention span, memory, concentration, and behavior.

A survey conducted by the EdWeek Research Center in January and February 2022, involving nearly 900 K-12 educators in the US, revealed that 80% of respondents believed increased screen time worsened children’s behavior. Fourteen percent said screen time had no impact, while only 6% reported that it slightly improved behavior.

Additionally, findings from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study – the largest long-term study on child brain development and health in the US – linked excessive screen time with harmful effects on children’s brains. The study found that children who spent more than 2 hours daily on screens performed worse on thinking and language tests. Worse still, children who spent over 7 hours per day on screens showed thinning of the cortex – the brain area responsible for reasoning and critical thinking.

Despite the risks associated with high screen time, many parents continue to allow their children significant time on devices. Data from Insider Intelligence shows that 51% of US parents give their children 3 or more hours of screen time daily, while only 15% limit it to 1 hour or less.

In the UK, a survey by Survation (conducted for BBC Children’s and Education in May 2023) involving 2,010 parents revealed that:

Two-thirds (67%) are concerned about what their children are watching.
Four in five (79%) believe their children’s screen time has increased since the pandemic.
83% believe it’s essential to limit children’s screen time.

Parents are particularly worried about what their children are exposed to online. Concerns include:

Violent content (35%)
The addictive nature of certain content (26%)
Use of inappropriate language (21%)

A University of Queensland study, previously mentioned, also found that excessive gaming can have serious consequences. It highlighted that:

Boys who spent too much time on recreational computer use had an 84% higher risk of psychosomatic complaints.
Girls showed an even greater risk, with a 108% increase in psychosomatic complaints.

Excessive TV watching was another concern in the Australian research. Boys who watched TV for over 2 hours daily had a 67% higher likelihood of experiencing physical or mental issues, while girls had a 71% higher risk.

However, the BBC-backed Survation survey presented a more balanced perspective on how UK parents perceive screen time. The results showed that:

65% agree that screens can encourage creativity and communication.
51% see education as the most important reason for screen time, while 30% cite entertainment.
55% of parents don’t feel guilty about giving their children screen-equipped devices.
70% emphasize the importance of ensuring that the content their children consume comes from trusted sources.

Although high screen time poses significant risks, especially for children, these risks can be reduced by focusing on educational content from reliable sources.

How much screen time is too much?

Experts have different opinions on this issue. The University of Queensland study mentioned earlier suggests that 2 hours is the ideal limit for children’s screen time. Anything beyond that increases the risk of mental health challenges, including irritability, trouble sleeping, low mood, and anxiety. Excessive screen time also increases the likelihood of physical issues such as headaches, dizziness, and back pain.

Dr. Samina Yousef, a pediatrician at OSF HealthCare, agrees with this recommendation but adds age-specific limits. She suggests no screen time for children under two years and a maximum of one hour per day for children aged two to five. Similarly, research from the American Academy of Pediatrics supports these guidelines but emphasizes that beyond age five, there’s no fixed number of screen time hours that applies universally.

Jacob Holzman, a clinical child and adolescent psychologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado, suggests that it’s ultimately up to families to decide what works best for their child’s unique situation. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) echoes this perspective, stating that a “one-size-fits-all approach is not based on evidence” (as cited in Forbes).

Although the guidelines vary and the debate continues, most experts agree that the maximum recommended screen time for children is 2 hours per day for non-educational activities.

How to reduce your screen time

Reducing screen time doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all solution, but some effective strategies include:

Setting limits: Establish daily or weekly screen time limits for your household, focusing mainly on recreational use rather than academic or professional tasks.
Prioritizing offline activities: Encourage outdoor play, physical exercise, and other non-screen-related activities such as reading or family board games.
Creating ‘tech-free zones:’ Designate areas in your home where screens aren’t allowed, such as the dining table or bedrooms.
Managing notifications: Disable non-essential smartphone notifications to minimize the urge to constantly check your device.
Using the Pomodoro Technique: Break work or study sessions into focused intervals (such as 25 minutes), followed by short, screen-free breaks.
Tracking screen time with apps: Use apps like Apple’s ‘Screen Time’ to monitor and manage device usage. These apps provide insights into smartphone habits and send reminders to take breaks.
Establishing a screen-free bedtime routine: Develop a calming nighttime ritual that excludes screens, such as reading a book or meditating to help unwind.

Some social platforms, like TikTok, are taking steps to help users – especially younger ones – regain control over their daily screen time.

In March 2023, TikTok introduced new limits that cap daily screen time for users under 18 at 60 minutes. This restriction was developed with input from experts at the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital. After 60 minutes on the app, users are required to enter a passcode to continue. For those under 13, a parent or guardian must enter the passcode to grant an additional 30 minutes of screen time.

TikTok stated that this measure will “requir[e] [users] to make an active decision to extend that [screen] time,” even though “no collectively endorsed position on the ‘right’ amount of screen time” exists.

How to check your screen time

How to monitor screen time on your and your family’s devices will vary depending on the type of device and operating system you use. Here’s a quick guide to checking screen time on iPhones, Androids, and desktop computers.

How to check your screen time on an iPhone

The Screen Time app is the simplest way to monitor usage on an iPhone. Go to ‘Settings’ and select ‘Screen Time’ to enable it. You can use this feature to track your own screen time or set it up for your child’s iPhone. To monitor usage across all your Apple devices, including desktop computers, choose ‘Share Across Devices.’

How to check your screen time on an Android

To check screen time on an Android device, go to the Digital Wellbeing menu. Open ‘Settings’ and navigate to the ‘Digital Wellbeing & parental controls’ section. You’ll find your device usage under ‘Screen time.’

How to check your screen time on a desktop computer

If you’re using a Windows computer, open the Start Menu and click the gear icon to launch the ‘Settings’ app. From there, select ‘Power & battery’ under the System tab on the right side. Click ‘Battery usage’ to expand the section where you can view your screen time from the last 24 hours.

How to stay safe while using a screen

Research on screen time suggests that it’s not just about how much time we spend on our devices but also what we use them for. With this in mind, staying safe while accessing the internet is essential.

Here are some top tips for staying safe while using a screen:

Use strong passwords: Create unique passwords that include upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a secure password manager to keep track of them.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): 2FA adds another layer of security by requiring confirmation from multiple devices, making it harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts.
Keep your software and apps updated: Regularly updating your operating system, software, and apps ensures you have the latest security patches.
Be cautious with links and attachments: Avoid clicking on suspicious links, especially from unknown sources. Teach your family how to recognize phishing attempts and stay alert for unsolicited emails, messages, or calls requesting sensitive information.
Review privacy settings: Control how your profiles are viewed online, particularly on social media, and decide who can access your information.
Back up your data regularly: Save important files to the cloud to prevent data loss caused by theft, damage, or technical issues.

Another key way to stay safe online is to use secure Wi-Fi networks, especially for sensitive transactions. Public Wi-Fi should only be used as a last resort and for the most basic internet browsing.

For an added layer of security, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is highly recommended.

VPNs protect your online activity by masking your IP address and creating an encrypted connection between your device and a remote server. This prevents your ISP and other parties from tracking your online activity and ensures your data stays secure.

To explore the best VPNs available in 2023, check out our comprehensive guide. Our research, covering hundreds of VPN providers, compares their performance, pricing, and privacy features to help you find the right fit. We’ve also highlighted the best VPNs for iPhones and Android devices to protect you where you spend most of your screen time.

Conclusion

As the screen time statistics show, global screen time is on the rise – along with the endless stream of online content available to both kids and adults.

So, what’s the final word on screen time? It’s a double-edged sword, especially when it comes to children.

Screens, along with the social media and messaging apps they offer, create opportunities for connection, collaboration, and communication. They allow young people to explore the world beyond their immediate surroundings and, when used properly, can support education, boost productivity, and foster a broader understanding of the world.

However, just as screen time can aid child development, it can also hinder it (UK Parliament Post). Social media apps, while capable of reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation, can also contribute to them. And while there’s no definitive consensus on the link between excessive screen time and negative physical and mental outcomes, there’s little doubt that some connection exists.

The bottom line? Screen time has both positive and negative effects, but the key is moderation. The best way to ensure a safe and healthy relationship with screens is to take a structured and balanced approach that works for the whole family – one that prioritizes education while allowing time for entertainment and adapts as children grow.