• Gen Z spend an average of 4.84 hours per day on their phones, equivalent to over 20% of the day
• Majority (73%) of Gen Z want to reduce their phone usage, compared to 28% of Baby Boomers (55+)
• Nearly 50% of phone users have wanted to reduce their screen time, with 17% actively trying to cut back
In today’s digital age, screens are everywhere – from the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed. But have we reached peak screen time, or is there still room for balance?
A new survey by Legal & General (L&G) polled more than 2,000 people across the UK, delving into the nation’s relationship with their devices, revealing just how much time we spend on our phones, the impact of screen time on daily life and whether Brits are ready to switch off.
How much time are we spending on our phones?
According to the survey, on average, people spend 3.41 hours per day on their smartphones, accounting for over 14% of their day. However, screen time varies across different demographics.
Gen Z, particularly those aged 16 to 24, are the heaviest users, averaging 4.84 hours daily, more than 20% of their waking hours. People in Greater London also have the highest screen time in the UK, with an average of 4.14 hours per day. Women tend to use their phones more than men, spending an average of 3.56 hours daily compared to 3.24 hours for men.
These figures highlight the growing role of smartphones in our daily lives, particularly among younger generations and urban populations.
The impact of screen time on daily life
When it comes to the impact of screen time, over a quarter (26%) of respondents admitted phone usage has negatively impacted their sleep, with this rising to 38% among Gen Z.
The pressure to be constantly connected is particularly pronounced among younger generations. A striking 85% of Gen Z reported feeling the need to be ‘always available’ via messaging or social media, compared to 43% of men and 62% of women overall.
This digital dependency also extends into face-to-face interactions. More than half of Gen Z (52%) admitted to frequently using their phones during social settings, such as meals and gatherings, highlighting the challenge of balancing online and offline engagement.
A growing desire to unplug
Despite the widespread use of smartphones, nearly half (48%) of respondents want to reduce their phone usage – a figure that jumps to 73% among Gen Z.
Many are already taking steps to better manage their screen time. One in three (36%) say they try to be mindful of their phone use, while 32% actively disconnect when spending time with others. Meanwhile, 12% of respondents set specific time limits for mobile usage.
Striking a balance: the benefits of smartphones
L&G’s research also found smartphones can play a key role in maintaining relationships and staying informed. With 65% stating that smartphones help them stay connected with family and friends, and 40% using them to access news and information.
Finding a healthy balance with our phones requires a mindful approach.
Here are some tips for learning to live with our phones while maintaining a connection to the rest of our lives:
• Disable notifications: Those constant ‘pings’ are a clear distraction. Turn off app notifications or use the ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature to regain focus.
• Phone-free zones: Keep your phone out of the bedroom to help improve your sleep quality and ensure a more restful night.
• Monitor your usage: Check your smartphone’s usage data and set goals for how much time you spend on your phone. Maybe even reward yourself for hitting targets!
• Take regular breaks: Schedule time away from your phone to move around and refresh, improving both your productivity and overall wellbeing.
• Review your apps: Identify which apps are taking up most of your attention, whether it’s games or social media, and consider deleting the ones that no longer serve you.
For more information, please visit here: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/insurance/life-insurance/screen-time-reality-check/
