Time for Technology

Abstract

This chapter evaluates children's time using technology. Technological change has dramatically altered not only the overall amount of time children spend in screen-based activities, but also the composition of this time. The time children spend watching TV decreased substantially and they are spending more time using computers and playing video games. In addition, children are now spending a substantial amount of time using devices such as smartphones and tablets. Children can use these devices at various locations and during times also spent doing various screen-based and non-screen activities. Children's time using devices appears to have had little impact on the time they spend in other activities, including physical activities. There has been, however, dramatic change in elements of the social context of children's daily lives that may be connected to the time they spend using mobile devices.