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. A figure that is constantly rising, and one that raises questions.
Ever-increasing screen time
In the digital age, screens are ubiquitous: in living rooms, corporate offices, and above all grafted onto the hands of cell phone users. According to the 2025 edition of the barometer on digital equipment and usage drawn up by the French regulatory authority for electronic communications, post and press distribution (Arcep), 84% of French people use the Internet on a daily basis, a figure that has risen by 15% over the last ten years.
"4h18 daily average", "7h41, I think I'm addicted", "The time I spent today? 4h39", "Daily average: 4h26", testified some French people to CNEWS, showing measurements of time spent on their cell phones.
This booming use goes hand in hand with the preponderance of social networks today. Among the most widely used, Facebook (70,4%), WhatsApp (66.6%) or even Instagram (60,7%).
An addiction that starts earlier and earlier
While the consumption of screens appears to be exponential, 59% of the representative panel consider they spend too much time on screens, and would like to get away from them. "I'm trying to get away from it because it wastes time on so many things," explained one young man to CNEWS.
A passer-by, who also answered our reporter's questions, suggested for her part to "find a good book and replace screens with reading". A solution she has implemented herself, to reduce the amount of time she spends in front of the various digital objects she owns.
All the more so as the phenomenon is affecting an ever-younger audience in France: on average, French people get their first cell phone at the age of 9.
Health consequences
Excessive screen use can have adverse health consequences. These include eyestrain, sleep disorders, increased stress, mood disorders and hyperactivity. What's more, over-consumption of screens reduces the time devoted to physical activity and can encourage snacking, increasing the risk of obesity.
Solutions for c
There are a number of ways to reduce screen time. These include reading, taking part in physical activities, and setting up screen-free time slots. It's also advisable to limit the use of screens before bedtime, to promote quality sleep.
Solutions for everyone
In conclusion, it's 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 eyestrain, increased stress, sleep disorders, as well as a worrying sedentary lifestyle that can contribute to weight problems and other health conditions. It is therefore imperative to recognize these consequences, so as 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 a bit.
What's more, incorporating offline activities into our daily routine, such as playing sports, reading books or gardening, can not only reduce our screen time, but also enrich our social life and mental well-being.
Encouraging moments of conviviality without screens, for example during 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, in order to preserve 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.