Surge in Screen Time During the Pandemic

Teenage Screen Time During the Pandemic: Implications for Health and Wellness

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 19, 2025)—Recent studies have documented a significant increase in screen time among teenagers during the COVID-19 pandemic, with tweens logging over five hours daily, while teenagers averaged approximately eight hours. This surge raises important questions about the effects of excessive screen exposure on young people’s physical and mental health. However, research indicates that digital media can also play a constructive role in promoting healthier lifestyles, offering avenues for improved nutrition, fitness, and smoking cessation.

Experts from George Washington University (GWU) are prepared to engage in discussions surrounding the complex relationship between screen time and health. With their varied expertise, they can delve into both the concerns associated with high screen usage and the potential benefits of leveraging technology for positive health outcomes. For media inquiries or to schedule interviews, interested parties may contact Kathy Fackelmann or Katelyn Deckelbaum through the GWU Media Relations Office.

Lorien Abroms, a professor at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health, specializes in the use of digital communication technologies to support public health initiatives. Her research includes the development of chatbots designed to assist individuals in quitting smoking and the use of text messaging to enhance maternal health. Abroms’ work underscores how digital platforms can be harnessed to foster healthier behaviors, particularly in a generation accustomed to constant digital interaction.

Lorenzo Norris, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and chief wellness officer at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences, provides insights into the psychological ramifications of increased screen time. Norris emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to technology use, advocating for the integration of mental wellness practices with digital engagement.

Rhonda Schwindt, an associate professor at the GW School of Nursing, contributes her expertise as a nationally certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. Schwindt’s research focuses on mental health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, offering a nurse’s perspective on the intertwining of screen time and emotional well-being.

Mary DeRaedt, an assistant professor at the GW Graduate School of Education and Human Development, brings a counseling perspective to the discussion. With her background in treating trauma and emotional disorders among youth, DeRaedt explores how digital media may influence adolescents’ mental health, shedding light on strategies for effective coping in a screen-dominant world.

As the conversation around screen time continues, it is clear that ongoing research will be essential in understanding its long-term effects on youth health. By tapping into the potential of digital technologies, experts are hopeful that young people can be guided towards healthier choices, transforming a challenge into an opportunity for enhanced well-being.