Lead researcher : Eve Pouliot

Co-researchers : Marie-Ève Blackburn and Jacinthe Dion

Abstract. This research project examines the effects of intensive screen use among young people in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing measures led to a significant increase in the time young people spent in front of screens. This mixed-methods, participatory study therefore seeks to understand the impacts of intensive screen use on young people’s physical, mental and social health, and to co-construct solutions with students, parents and school staff in order to improve the services offered and promote balanced, low-risk screen use among young people. As screen-related behaviours are increasingly recognized as a determinant of health, a better understanding of them is essential to guiding young people toward appropriate and safe screen use, while supporting their overall health and the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits.