Many Teenagers Show Symptoms of Excessive Screen Use

While much of the debate around young people’s digital habits focuses on social media, screen use extends far beyond individual platforms. Between schoolwork, communication and entertainment, screens have become a near-constant presence in teenagers’ daily lives, making it increasingly difficult to separate between productive and problematic device use.

Data from a recent Eurobarometer survey suggests that this constant exposure is taking a toll. On average, EU teenagers report spending 4.5 hours per day in front of screens on weekdays and more than six hours on weekends. Many also report symptoms commonly associated with excessive screen use, including tired eyes, headaches, difficulty concentrating and sleep problems.

The findings highlight that concerns about young people’s digital wellbeing are not limited to social media alone. Instead, they point to a broader challenge: how to manage the overall volume and intensity of screen time in a way that supports, rather than undermines, health and everyday functioning.

Interestingly, 40 percent of the surveyed adolescents still see screens as a net positive for the lives of young people, versus just 29 percent who think that they have a negative impact. Among parents, screens are seen much more critically: 51 percent think that screens have a negative impact on young people, while just 17 percent think that the positives outweigh the problems.