Montreal adults are spending more of their free time on screens, according to public health

Adult Montrealers have been spending more of their free time in front of screens since 2018, according to city public health officials.

A study released Tuesday by the CIUSSS du Centre-sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, the regional public health department, shows that the proportion of individuals using screens for more than two hours a day for leisure has increased by 13 percent between 2018 and 2025.

The data was collected between March and June 2025 as part of a survey on gambling and screen use among adults in Montreal. The survey was designed by a team from the regional public health department and Concordia University. Approximately 4,002 adults living on the Island of Montreal responded to a phone questionnaire.

Some key points from this new report are as follows.

Intensive use of screens is increasing

The study found that intensive leisure screen use – defined as more than four hours a day – increased from 16 percent in 2018 to 23 percent in 2025.

Heavy use is significantly more prevalent among youth ages 18 to 24 and among people age 65 and older. According to the study, it is also associated with lower income, living alone and less recreational physical activity.

Public health officials have warned that the observed increase could contribute to the decline in physical health of adults in Montreal.

The report states, “Screen use is not a source of problems when balanced with other lifestyle habits. However, screen use during leisure time is harmful when it takes up too much of a person’s available resources (time, money, attention, psychological energy).”

“For example, negative effects are often observed with respect to sleep, physical activity, work performance or academic motivation.”

The study also highlighted a “remarkable finding”: the alleged negative effects are not linked to the intensity of reported screen time, which according to public health means people attribute harm based on factors beyond the hours spent online.

“Future research would benefit from identifying and better understanding these factors,” the report said.

How do people view their digital habits?

The study also explored the perceptions of Montreal adults about their digital habits, with many reporting that screens are generally beneficial to their sense of well-being and quality of life.

About 44 percent of adults say their digital habits have a positive impact, while 18 percent report mostly negative impacts.

People who live alone and seniors are more likely to say that their digital habits benefit them. The report said seniors’ assessments of their digital habits “may reflect greater availability of free time.”

In contrast, people living with children under 18 at home are less likely to recognize the benefits of their screen use.

The study concludes that screen use has increased among Montreal adults and should be considered in concerted efforts to promote healthy lifestyles.