Daily average: 4h26″! Find out why 59% of French people feel they spend too much time in front of screens, and how to reduce this digital addiction.
On average, the French spend more than four hours a day in front of screens. This figure is constantly increasing, which raises questions.
Screen time is constantly increasing
In the digital age, screens are ubiquitous: in living rooms, corporate offices, and especially in the hands of mobile phone users. According to the 2025 edition of the barometer on digital equipment and uses established by the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications, Posts and Press Distribution (ARCEP), 84% of French people use the Internet daily, a figure that has increased by 15% over the past ten years.
"4h18 daily average", "7h41, I think I'm addicted", "The time I spent today? 4h39", "Daily average: 4h26", some French people told CNEWS, showing the measurements of the time spent on their mobile phones.
A booming use which goes hand in hand with the now predominant place of social networks. Among the most used, Facebook (70.4%), WhatsApp (66,6%) or Instagram (60,7%).
An addiction that starts earlier and earlier
While the consumption screens appears to be exponential, 59% of the representative panel considers spending too much time on screens, and would like to move away from them. "I try to detach myself from them because it wastes time for a lot of things," explained a young man to CNEWS.
A passerby, who also answered our reporter's questions, suggested "finding a good book and replacing screens with reading." A solution she herself has implemented to reduce the time she spends in front of the various digital objects she owns.
All the more so since the phenomenon concerns an ever younger public in France: on average, it is at the age of 9 that the French get their first mobile phone.
Health consequences
Excessive screen use can have negative health consequences. These include eye strain, sleep disturbances, increased stress, mood disorders, and hyperactivity. Additionally, excessive screen time contributes to reduced physical activity and can promote snacking, increasing the risk of obesity.
Solutions for c
There are several solutions that can be considered to reduce screen time. These include reading, exercising, or setting aside screen-free time. It's also recommended to limit screen time before bedtime to promote quality sleep.
Solutions within everyone's reach
In conclusion, it is crucial to be aware of the time we spend in front of screens and the significant impact this can have on our physical and mental health.
Prolonged exposure to screens can lead to problems such as eye strain, increased stress, sleep disturbances, and a sedentary lifestyle that can contribute to weight problems and other health conditions. It is therefore imperative to recognize these consequences to better assess their effects on our overall well-being.
Fortunately, effective solutions exist to reduce this screen time and promote a healthier lifestyle.
For example, adopting the 30-30 rule can be a good starting point: for every 30 minutes spent in front of a screen, take a 30-second break and get up to stretch or walk around.
Additionally, incorporating offline activities into our daily routines, such as playing sports, reading books, or gardening, can not only reduce our screen time but also enrich our social lives and mental well-being.
Encouraging screen-free social time, such as meals with family or friends, can also strengthen interpersonal bonds and foster authentic communication.
In short, it's essential to be proactive about screen use and implement strategies to balance our digital and real-life time to maintain our health and quality of life. By actively reflecting on our behaviors, everyone can contribute to a future where technology is used more consciously and responsibly.