A newly released study by Statistics Canada has revealed that a significant proportion of Canadian youth are spending more time on screens than recommended, raising concerns about their overall well-being.
The research tracked the same group of young people at two different stages of their lives first in 2019, when they were aged between 12 and 17, and again in 2023, when they were between 16 and 21. The findings show that 37 per cent of participants exceeded recommended screen time limits in both years, while only 14 per cent consistently stayed within the guidelines.
An additional 49 per cent of youth followed the recommendations in only one of the two years, indicating fluctuating screen habits over time. According to Canada’s 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, children and teenagers aged five to 17 should limit recreational screen time to no more than two hours per day.
The study also highlighted a gender gap, with boys and young men being about 40 per cent more likely to exceed screen time limits compared to 34 per cent of girls and young women.
The research suggests a connection between screen time and mental health, although the results are not entirely uniform. Among youth who adhered to screen time guidelines in both years, 58 per cent reported excellent or very good mental health. In contrast, only 38 per cent of those who exceeded the limits in both years reported similar levels of well-being.
Stress levels also differed. About 25 per cent of youth who stayed within recommended limits reported that most of their days were not stressful at all, compared to those who exceeded screen time recommendations.
For individuals who met the guidelines in only one of the two years, mental health outcomes fell somewhere in between, indicating that consistent habits may play a key role in overall well-being.
Body image concerns were also less common among those who followed screen time recommendations. Around 75 per cent of these youth said they rarely or never felt pressure to be thinner, compared to 69 per cent among those who exceeded screen limits.
Academically, students who maintained recommended screen time were more likely to achieve overall grades of 70 per cent or higher, suggesting a potential link between reduced screen use and better academic performance.
The findings align with broader global research. A large-scale study published in June 2025, which analyzed data from nearly 300,000 children worldwide, found that higher screen usage is associated with increased risks of anxiety, low self-esteem, and aggressive behavior later in life.
The study also found strong links between reduced screen time and physical health. Youth who stayed within recommended limits in both years were twice as likely to meet physical activity guidelines compared to those who exceeded them.
Interestingly, even those who did not meet screen time recommendations but remained physically active still reported better outcomes in terms of lower stress and improved physical health.
Health guidelines emphasize a balanced daily routine for young people, including at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, limited sedentary behavior, and adequate sleep. Children aged five to 13 are advised to get nine to 11 hours of sleep per night, while teenagers aged 14 to 17 should aim for eight to 10 hours.
The study underscores the growing challenge of managing screen time in an increasingly digital world. While technology remains an integral part of modern life, the findings suggest that moderation and balance are essential to safeguard both mental and physical health among young people.
