Survey Shows Parents are Struggling to Manage Kids’ Screen Time

A new report from Pew Research Center based on the survey of over 3,000 parents has found that many U.S. parents feel they are not doing enough to manage their children’s screen time.

The survey reveals how digital devices, online video, games, voice assistants and even AI chatbots are now woven into kids’ daily lives, and how parents are navigating the challenges.

The research focused on parents of children age 12 or younger. It shows that television remains the most common screen medium among kids, with 90 percent of parents saying their children ever watch TV. Tablet use is widespread too, with 68% reporting their child uses one. Smartphone adoption is also common, cited by 61% of respondents.

Even toddlers are involved in the digital mix. About 60% of parents say their child under age 2 has interacted with a smartphone. Meanwhile YouTube is nearly ubiquitous among children: 85% of parents say their child ever watches YouTube, with about half saying it happens daily. The proportion rises steadily with age.

Parents report that managing screen time is a daily balancing act with multiple pressures. For many, allowing screens is a practical decision. Parents say they permit smartphone or tablet use for learning, entertainment or even to calm kids. Some parents cited safety and communication as reasons they allow children access to devices, for example to reach them.

Yet concerns remain strong. A majority of parents see social media as more harmful than beneficial for children. Regarding smartphones, nearly half say potential harm outweighs benefit. A smaller but still notable share feel the same about tablets.

Parents are calling for action beyond the home. Two thirds said technology companies should do more to regulate children’s online experiences. More than half want lawmakers to step in as well. These views cut across political lines with little difference between Republicans and Democrats.