Adults in Montreal have been dedicating more time to screen activities since 2018, as per the city’s public health authorities. A recent study by the regional public health department of the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal revealed that the percentage of individuals engaging in over two hours of leisure screen time daily surged by 13% between 2018 and 2025.
The data, gathered from March to June 2025 through a survey on adult gambling and screen use in Montreal, involved 4,002 adults residing on the Island of Montreal. The study, a joint effort by the regional public health department and Concordia University, provides key insights.
The research found a notable increase in intensive screen use for leisure, defined as exceeding four hours per day, from 16% in 2018 to 23% in 2025. This intensive usage is more prevalent among individuals aged 18 to 24 and those over 65, as well as linked to income levels, living alone, and infrequent recreational physical activities. Public health officials caution that this rise may adversely affect the physical well-being of Montreal adults.
According to the report, screen use in leisure time can be detrimental if it disproportionately consumes an individual’s resources like time, money, attention, and psychological energy. Negative effects such as sleep disturbances, reduced physical activity, and diminished work or academic performance are commonly observed.
Moreover, the study highlighted an intriguing discovery: perceived negative impacts are not solely correlated with the hours spent on screens, indicating that other factors play a role in attributing harm. The report suggests the importance of identifying and understanding these factors in the future.
The study also delved into how Montreal adults perceive their digital habits, with many acknowledging the overall positive impact screens have on their well-being and quality of life. Approximately 44% of adults reported positive effects from their digital habits, while 18% noted negative impacts. Seniors and individuals living alone tended to view their digital habits more positively, possibly due to increased free time availability.
Conversely, adults residing with children under 18 were less likely to recognize the benefits of their screen use. The report emphasized that the escalating screen use among Montreal adults should be factored into efforts promoting healthy lifestyles.