Montreal teens want to cut back on screen time after pandemic: study

After the pandemic, Montreal teenagers want to reduce screen time and improve their digital habits, according to a study published Tuesday by the Montreal Regional Directorate (DRSP).

According to the results, a large proportion of teenagers say that their digital habits sometimes or often affect their sleep (41 percent), their studies (54 percent) and that their use disturbs those around them (57 percent).

However, Montreal teenagers are in better shape than they used to be during the pandemic.

According to the study, 34 percent of teenagers surveyed during the pandemic said their morale was fair or poor, a figure that dropped to 23 percent in 2023.

Overall unhappiness among teenagers was 19 percent in 2021, compared to five percent in 2023.

Also, six percent said they were unhappy with their friendships in 2021, down from five percent in 2023.

Reduced screen time

Twenty-seven percent of teens spent five hours or more in front of a screen during the week, up from 19 percent in 2023. On weekends, this figure will be 44 percent in 2021, and 38 percent in 2023.

The results show that intensive use of screen time is associated with increased risks and effects on health, general well-being and motivation, while moderate use of screen time is associated with positive aspects such as “learning new things, developing relationships and gaining information”.