screen time

American  

[skreen tahym] / ˈskrin ˈtaɪm /

Or screentime

noun

1. the amount of time devoted to a particular actor, topic, plot line, etc., in a film or TV show.

   The female characters got less screen time than the male characters in all the film festival nominations.

2. Digital Technology. the amount of time a person spends watching or interacting with content on the screen of a computer, phone, TV, gaming console, etc..

   What's the maximum amount of screen time recommended for children under two?

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Etymology

Origin of screen time

First recorded in 1915–20, and in 1990–95 screen time for def. 2

Example Sentences

We’re not huge on screen time, so we really encourage the book-buying.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Number 10 said some social media companies had already "stepped up" by putting in place protections like disabling autoplay for children by default and giving more control to parents over screen time.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

MacDonald says there are several key factors which hinder parents from restricting their children's screen time adequately, including limited time due to work commitments, as well as the cost and availability of local activities.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

In the book, you describe screen time as the “ultra-processed food” of the arts.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

“I don’t hear an apology. You’ve already lost five minutes from your screen time today. The longer it takes, the more you’ll lose.”

From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day