Yes, research shows teenagers’ screen time is shocking – but smartphone bans aren’t the answer | Devi Sridhar

Schools, parents and even governments need to set boundaries, without demonising devices that bring many benefits

A few weeks ago I was scrolling through social media, and Andy Murray (I am one of his 2 million followers) posted a graphic showing the average number of hours a teen in the US spends per day on their phone or other screens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated it to be six hours for eight- to 10-year-olds, nine hours for 11- to 14-year-olds and 7.5 hours for 15- to 18-year-olds. These are shocking numbers. Although the irony of using a screen to make me reflect on how much time we're spending on screens isn't lost on me.

Like many people, I check my smartphone's screen-time usage and am surprised at how many hours are logged. But I also feel uncomfortable with the blanket demonisation of these devices, as if the creation of mobile phones has been, overall, terrible for humanity. At their core, they are useful, practical tools for communication and connection. Somehow the positives that they bring are too easily forgotten.

Prof Devi Sridhar is chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh