Nearly 40% of Canadian Youth Exceed Screen Time Recommendations: StatCan Study

Nearly 40 per cent of Canadian youth are exceeding the recommended two hours of daily recreational screen time, according to a newly released Statistics Canada study. The research, which analyzed data from the same cohort of Canadians aged 12 to 17 in 2019 and 16 to 21 in 2023, reveals a persistent pattern of excessive screen employ among this demographic. Only 14 per cent of youth met the screen time guidelines in both years, even as almost half (49 per cent) followed them in only one of the two years studied.

These findings align with broader concerns about the impact of digital technology on youth well-being. The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, established by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, recommend no more than two hours of recreational screen time per day for children and youth aged five to 17. These guidelines are based on research suggesting that excessive screen time can displace physical activity, sleep, and other behaviors essential for healthy development.

Gender Differences in Screen Time

The study also highlighted a notable gender difference. Men and boys were found to be 40 per cent more likely than women and girls to exceed screen time guidelines in both 2019 and 2023. Specifically, 37 per cent of the overall group exceeded the recommendations in both years, but this figure rose to 40 per cent for males, compared to 34 per cent for females.

Screen Time and Mental Well-being

The relationship between screen time and mental health appears complex. The Statistics Canada data indicates a correlation between adhering to screen time guidelines and reporting positive mental health. Approximately 58 per cent of youth who met the guidelines in both 2019 and 2023 reported “excellent or remarkably good mental health,” a significantly higher proportion than the 38 per cent who exceeded the guidelines in both years. However, it’s crucial to remember that correlation does not equal causation; other factors likely contribute to mental well-being.

Further analysis showed that 25 per cent of those who exceeded screen time recommendations reported that “most of their days were not at all stressful,” and 38 per cent reported “excellent or very good mental health.” Among youth who met screen time guidelines in only one of the two years, well-being outcomes were described as “mixed,” falling somewhere between those who consistently met the guidelines and those who consistently exceeded them.

Beyond Mental Health: Physical Activity and Body Image

The impact of screen time extends beyond mental health. Youth who adhered to screen time recommendations in both 2019 and 2023 were twice as likely to meet physical activity guidelines in 2023 compared to those who exceeded screen time limits. This suggests a potential displacement effect, where time spent on screens reduces opportunities for physical activity.

The study also revealed a link between screen time and body image. A larger percentage (75 per cent) of youth who met screen time recommendations in both years reported “never feeling preoccupied with a desire to be thinner or feeling so only a few times” within the past 12 months, compared to 69 per cent of those who exceeded the guidelines. This suggests that limiting screen time may be associated with a more positive body image.

Academic Performance and Screen Time

Academic performance also appeared to be linked to screen time habits. Youth who met screen time recommendations were more likely to achieve an overall grade of 70 per cent or higher. While this doesn’t prove a causal relationship, it suggests a potential association between responsible screen time management and academic success.

Broader Research Context: Global Trends and Potential Risks

The Canadian findings echo concerns raised by a June 2025 study published in the Psychological Bulletin. This research, involving nearly 300,000 children worldwide, found that increased device usage – including computers, tablets, smartphones, TVs, and gaming consoles – is associated with a higher risk of developing anxiety, low self-confidence, and aggression later in life. The study underscores the importance of understanding the long-term effects of digital technology on child development.

The Importance of Holistic Health

The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to health, advocating for not only limited screen time but also sufficient physical activity and adequate sleep. The guidelines recommend at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily and 9-11 hours of sleep for children aged 5-13, and 8-10 hours for adolescents aged 14-17. Youth who met physical activity guidelines in 2019, but not screen time guidelines, reported lower levels of stress (37 per cent) and better physical health (76 per cent).

What’s Next: Ongoing Monitoring and Further Research

Statistics Canada continues to monitor these trends through the Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth (CHSCY). The data collected will be crucial for tracking the long-term effects of screen time on youth health and well-being. The agency notes that estimates throughout the table were corrected in November 2025 due to rounding and quality guideline updates, and corrections were also made to bullying and cyberbullying indicators. Future research should focus on identifying specific types of screen time activities (e.g., educational vs. Entertainment) and their differential impacts on various aspects of youth development. Understanding these nuances will be essential for developing effective strategies to promote healthy digital habits.