According to a new survey released by Japan's Ministry of Children and Families, high school students are spending a staggering average of 6 hours and 44 minutes on the internet per weekday, which is 25 minutes longer compared to the previous year. This increase in screen time is not only limited to high school students but also reflects trends among younger demographics, with students from elementary and junior high schools also reporting record daily internet usage of 3 hours and 54 minutes and 5 hours and 24 minutes, respectively. The survey indicates that nearly half of high school students are using generative AI tools, highlighting a significant shift in how students engage with technology.

The survey, which is the 17th of its kind, included responses from 3,060 participants aged 10 to 17 years, revealing that students primarily use the internet for leisure and entertainment, averaging 3 hours and 1 minute for these activities, while only 1 hour and 6 minutes is allocated to studying or educational purposes. Additionally, 22% of students reported negative impacts, such as difficulties concentrating due to excessive internet use, and 15% have connected with people online through messaging or email, raising concerns about potential risks associated with internet interactions.

This rise in internet usage coincides with smartphones becoming increasingly prevalent among students: 67% of elementary students, 90% of junior high students, and an astonishing 98% of high school students now use smartphones. Representatives from the Ministry of Children and Families expressed the need to analyze the implications of such extensive internet usage on the physical and mental health of children, as the findings underscore a critical area of concern regarding the development and well-being of young individuals during their formative years.