StatCan: Screen Time and Well-Being among Children

Photo by charlesdeluvio

Statistics Canada have released (March 2026) a new downloadable poster on Screen Time and Well-Being among Children.

The poster, available at https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2026016-eng.htm summarizes results observed for the same cohort of children in 2019 and 2023, showing that 44% followed the Canadian Paediatric Society’s screen time guidelines in both years, while 12% did not follow them in either year. The results were consistent.

Children who followed the guidelines both years were more likely to have better well-being outcomes:

Excellent or very good health

Excellent or very good mental health

Never appear anxious or nervous in the previous year

Never appeared sad or depressed in the previous year

No headaches in the previous 6 months

No difficulties falling asleep in the previous 6 months

Overall mark of 70% or higher in school

Children who followed the guidelines both years were less likely to experience certain challenges:

Anxiety disorder

Wears glasses or contact lenses

Difficulty remembering things

Difficulty accepting change

Difficultly controlling behaviour

Difficulty making friends

Finally, the results also noted that children who did not follow the guidelines in either year were more likely to use an electronic device in their bedroom before bed.