A recent study by Ooma has revealed some alarming statistics about the global average daily screen time, and the Philippines isn’t looking good.
The country is third worldwide, with Filipinos spending an average of 8 hours and 52 minutes (8:52) on their screens daily. Only Brazil (9:13) and South Africa (9:24) have higher figures. Meanwhile, Japan, Denmark, and South Korea have the lowest averages with 3:56, 5:08, and 5:19. The worldwide average of daily screen time is 6 hours and 40 minutes.
While it seems normal to always be on your phone, this much screen time raises serious concerns for Filipinos. Consider this: almost nine hours a day. That’s more time than most people spend at work.
This figure comes as no surprise, though. The Philippines has one of the most affordable mobile data promos in the world. Combined with a wide selection of budget-friendly smartphones and our love for social media (Facebook has over 102 million Filipino users), this creates the perfect recipe for digital immersion.
However, Ooma’s study also sheds light on the dark side of constant connectivity. Obsessive internet has been linked to several health-related issues — such as sleep disruptions caused by suppressed melatonin production and increased adrenaline to a higher risk of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Additionally, more screen time often means less physical activity, which contributes to the rising obesity rates.
Although there is no specific law in the Philippines that limits internet and social media use for children, the proposed Electronic Gadget-Free Schools Act (Senate Bill No. 2706), which aims to restrict mobile device use in schools during class hours, is a step in the right direction. However, more comprehensive measures are needed.
To get the data, Ooma conducted a survey across 49 countries, analyzing the average daily screen time of individuals aged 16 to 64. They also assessed countries that experienced an increase or decrease in total screen time over five years.
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