Researchers shocked by increase in time that kids spend with electronic devices

January 25, 2010

American children ages eight to 18 are spending more time than ever before using smart phones, computers, televisions or other electronic devices — up to more than seven and a half hours a day, says a new study from the Kaiser Family Foundation. The numbers reportedly shocked the study’s authors, who five years ago thought kids couldn’t possibly spend more time with the devices, less than six and a half hours per day in 2005.

When multitasking — surfing the Internet while listening to music, for example — they pack on average of nearly 11 hours of media content into that seven and a half hours. “I feel like my days would be boring without it,” a 14-year-old Bronx eighth grader said. He uses his smart phone to surf the Web, watch videos, listen to music and send or receive about 500 texts a day.

Sophisticated mobile technology like iPods and smart phones have brought media access into teenagers’ pockets and beds. The study found that heavy media use is associated with several negatives, including behavior problems and lower grades.

In homes with rules like no television during meals or in the bedroom, or with limits on media time, young people used less media. The heaviest media users were reportedly Black and Hispanic youths and “tweens,” or those ages 11 to 14.  — Greg Beaubien

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