How often do we sit in front of our smartphone?
How much time do we spend on our smartphones?
How much time do I actually spend on my cell phone? The statistics in the operating system reveal it.
© Hrynevich Yury/Shutterstock.com
Two opposing trends will continue to increase in 2024: screen time and with it the desire to reduce it. That’s how it works.
In recent years, the average time we spend in front of screens has steadily increased. Various surveys prove this, with the pandemic in particular showing a trend towards more Increased screen time. Other surveys show that more and more people consciously want to take a break from digital media. Fortunately, both Android and iOS devices offer built-in features that give users insight and control over the time they or their children spend in front of a screen. How to keep track of your screen time.
On Android devices, the Digital Wellbeing feature is key to tracking and controlling screen time. Users can access this feature by opening their device’s settings and searching for “Digital Wellbeing”. This displays an overview of device usage, including time spent in various apps and the number of screen unlocks throughout the day. Additionally, it’s possible to set time limits for certain apps or activate a “Focus Mode” that temporarily blocks distracting apps to promote concentration.
Digital Wellbeing also includes monitoring and controlling children’s screen time, giving parents a tool to support their children’s digital health. By setting up a Family Link account, parents can monitor their children’s activity on their devices, set time limits on app usage, and even create a bedtime schedule to ensure devices cannot be used at certain times . These measures allow parents to find a healthy balance between their children’s online and offline time while raising their awareness of digital media use.
Track screen time? Possible on Android and iOS without additional apps
iOS devices offer a similar feature called Screen Time, which gives users an overview of their daily usage. By tapping Screen Time in Settings, users can access reports about their app usage, set app category limits, and schedule a “time out” during which only certain apps are accessible. Screen Time also provides detailed information about the frequency of notifications and app activity, which contributes to a more conscious use of digital devices.
Screen Time also offers features to help parents shape and control their children’s digital environment. By setting up Family Sharing, parents can set screen time for each family member individually, restrict certain apps during homework or bedtime, and define categories of apps to remain accessible during rest times. Additionally, parents can view detailed statistics about their children’s app usage to gain insight into their digital habits and make adjustments if necessary.