screen time

/skriːn taɪm/

Meaning

The amount of time someone spends looking at the screen of a device such as a smartphone, computer, television, or tablet. It is commonly used in modern discussions about health, parenting, and digital well-being.

Examples

  • Parents are often advised to limit their children's screen time.

    Parents are often advised to limit their children's screen time.

  • My phone sends me a weekly report of my average screen time.

    My phone sends me a weekly report of my average screen time.

  • Too much screen time before bed can make it harder to fall asleep.

    Too much screen time before bed can make it harder to fall asleep.

  • I'm trying to reduce my screen time by reading physical books instead.

    I'm trying to reduce my screen time by reading physical books instead.

  • Her screen time doubled during the lockdown because of remote work.

    Her screen time doubled during the lockdown because of remote work.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ I have a lot of screen times today.

    ✓ I have a lot of screen time today.

    'Screen time' is an uncountable noun and cannot be pluralized with an 's'.

  • ✗ I spent three hours of screen time.

    ✓ I had three hours of screen time.

    'Screen time' is a noun representing a measurement or concept, not an active verb. You 'have', 'limit', or 'track' screen time.

Related Expressions

digital detox device usagemedia consumption

Practice

  • My doctor suggested reducing my ___ to help with my headaches.

    💡 The amount of time spent looking at phones or computers.

    Show answer

    screen time

  • The app helps parents monitor their kids' daily ___.

    💡 Two-word compound noun for device usage duration.

    Show answer

    screen time