After the pandemic, Montreal teenagers want to reduce their screen time and improve their digital habits, according to a study published by the Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal (DRSP) Tuesday.
According to the findings, large proportions of adolescents say their digital habits sometimes or often affect their sleep (41 per cent), their schoolwork (54 per cent), and that their usage worries those around them (57 per cent).
However, Montreal teens are in better shape compared to their usage during the pandemic.
The study reports that 34 per cent of teenagers surveyed during the pandemic said their morale was fair or poor, whereas in 2023, it was reduced to 23 per cent.
General unhappiness among teens was 19 per cent in 2021, compared to five per cent in 2023.
Also, six per cent claimed to be dissatisfied with their friendships in 2021, which fell to five per cent in 2023.
Screen time decrease
Throughout the week, 27 per cent of teenagers spent five hours or more a day in front of a screen compared to 19 per cent in 2023. On the weekend, the proportions were 44 per cent in 2021, and 38 per cent in 2023.
The findings show that intensive screen time use is associated with increased risks and impacts on health, overall well-being and motivation, whereas more moderate screen time usage is linked to positive aspects such as “learning new things, developing relationships and getting information.”