Parents Effectively Manage Kids’ Screen Time

Bassyonni

ago 4 hours

Parents Effectively Manage Kids’ Screen Time

The Pew Research Center recently conducted a study to gain insights into how U.S. parents manage their children’s screen time and technology use. The research involved a survey of 3,054 parents with children aged 12 and younger, conducted between May 13 and May 26, 2025. It included participants from the American Trends Panel (ATP) and the SSRS Opinion Panel (OP), both derived from a random sampling of U.S. residential addresses. Parents were interviewed via online platforms or telephone with live interviewers. The data was weighted to ensure representation across various demographics.

Managing Kids’ Screen Time: Key Findings

Technology Use Among Young Children

The study reveals that technology is deeply embedded in the lives of children. Significant findings include:

90% of parents report their children watch TV.
68% say their kids use tablets.
61% report smartphone usage among their children.
50% indicate their kids play on gaming devices.
40% say children use desktops or laptops.

Additionally, some children are engaging with AI technology. Ten percent of parents report their children aged 5 to 12 use AI chatbots like ChatGPT, while 40% have children using voice assistants like Siri or Alexa.

Early Exposure to Screens

The onset of screen interaction begins at a young age. The data highlights that:

82% of parents with children under 2 report these young kids watch TV.
75% of parents of 11- or 12-year-olds say their children use smartphones.

The early transition to personal devices is notable; 25% of parents indicate their child has their own smartphone. Factors influencing this include age and household income, with higher income families reporting lower ownership rates.

YouTube as a Primary Entertainment Source

YouTube has become a significant element of children’s media consumption. Presently, 85% of parents state their children watch YouTube, with half doing so daily. This use has notably increased, from 80% in 2020 to 85% today, particularly among children under 2.

Social Media Interaction

While social media poses potential risks, it is increasingly utilized by children. The statistics reveal:

15% of parents report their child uses TikTok.
8% report usage of Snapchat.
5% indicate their child uses Instagram or Facebook.

Parents feel the balance between the benefits and risks of social media is difficult, with 80% believing its harms outweigh its advantages.

Challenges in Managing Screen Time

Parents face daily challenges in regulating their children’s screen time. Major considerations include:

Safety concerns regarding smartphone ownership.
Desire to balance entertainment and educational use.
A common fear of inappropriate content exposure.

Nearly half of the respondents rate managing screen time as one of their top priorities, although day-to-day distractions often influence their ability to manage effectively. Across different income levels, parents reflect similar concerns around screen time management.

Call for Industry and Legislative Action

Two-thirds of parents advocate for technology companies to enhance regulations around children’s online activities, and 55% urge lawmakers to increase protective measures. There’s strong, bipartisan support for action to protect the online experiences of young users.

As parents navigate the complexities of technology in their children’s lives, they continue to seek effective strategies for managing screen time in an evolving digital landscape.