A SLOHS student checks their daily screen time, revealing an average of over eight hours and highlighting growing concerns about excessive screen times among teens. Photo courtesy of freshman Addison Hopple.
San Luis Obispo High School students are often seen around campus with their phones in their hands or pockets.
On average, high school students spend around a total of 8 hours and 39 minutes on screens, including devices like phones, computers, tablets, and televisions.
Is the amount of time students spend on screens excessive? Is it a problem, and should students have limits on how much time they spend on their screens?
Three SLOHS students were asked about student screen times.
Expressions: The average high school student’s screen time is over seven hours. Do you think this is too long?
Junior Olivia Martinez: I kind of do, because I feel like that’s like a significant portion of the day, and people could be spending it doing other stuff, but I mean, if that’s what they want to do, then okay.
Freshman Emma Mackowiak: Well, that’s mine, so I don’t think so. I think it’s a normal amount.
Junior Lillian Gracia: Too long? I’d say that’s pretty close to mine, but I think I should probably try to cut down on it.
Expressions: Do you think students being on their phones too much is a problem?
Martinez: I feel like if it’s getting in the way of other like other things, like extracurriculars in school, then maybe. But I think people should have the right to use their phones as they want to.
Mackowiak: I mean, for me, it just depends on how they’re using it. Like, if you have a large amount of screen time and you’re like, using it well, then I feel like it’s fine. But if they’re just like going on social media the whole time. Maybe they should tone it down a bit, but it just depends just like depends on what they want.
Gracia: I think not anymore with the phone pockets, especially with the teachers that are pretty strict on having students put their phones in there.
Expressions: Do you think students should have a limit on their screen time?
Martinez: I’d say if it’s getting to a point where they can’t handle it themselves, then, yeah, but I think at this age, we’re responsible enough to be in charge of our own screen time.
Mackowiak: Maybe if their screen time is taking away from their grades, I can understand if parents take away their screens because of grades, it might make them focus more.
Gracia: I think that’s like a personal choice that everyone should make for themselves, if they feel that they’re on technology too much. But I think for myself, I maybe should try to, yeah, limit the amount of time I’m on my phone.
As students navigate their busy lives at San Luis Obispo High School, each has to figure out how to balance their screen time with other important activities, reflecting on what matters to them.