Screen Time Definition, Examples & Usage Tips

Meaning 1：time spent on screens (Screen time)

Screen time 🔊

/skriːn taɪm/

The amount of time spent using devices with screens, like TVs, computers, or phones.

Family spending screen time on various devices while clock ticks

time spent on screens 🔊

➕

/taɪm spɛnt ɒn skriːnz/

The total duration an individual uses electronic devices with visual displays, such as TVs, computers, and phones.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Combination of 'screen' (display surface) and 'time' (duration).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a clock on a phone screen counting your usage - screen + time.

📖 Example

To keep healthy, she sets a daily limit on her screen time and goes for a walk instead. 🔊 To keep healthy, she sets a daily limit on her screen time and goes for a walk instead.

🔗 Collocations

set screen time limits – establish boundaries for device usage

reduce screen time – decrease time spent on screens

manage screen time – control the duration of screen use

🔄 Synonyms

device usage time (n.) – the amount of time spent using electronic devices

digital consumption (n.) – the use of digital media and screens

screen usage (n.) – the act of using screens

🚫 Antonyms

offline time (n.) – time spent without digital devices

real-world interaction (n.) – face-to-face communication away from screens

physical activity (n.) – exercise or movement without screen involvement

🌱 Derivatives

screen timer (n.) – a tool or app that monitors screen time

screen-time limit (n.) – a predefined maximum for screen use

📖 Cultural Story

The term gained prominence in the 2010s with the rise of smartphones and concerns about digital wellbeing, often used in parenting and health guidelines.