It’s no surprise that parents are concerned about their children’s screen time, but how much are screens really affecting the family dynamic? According to Qustodio’s latest family study, quite a bit. Nearly 70% of parents report that screens sometimes or frequently distract them from family time, versus only 7% of families who report screens never disrupt their moments together.
After questioning moms, dads, and guardians, the Qustodio survey* found that screens aren’t just a distraction in the home – they’re also a point of contention, with screen time causing arguments on a weekly or even daily basis in 49% of households.
And it’s not just children that excess screen time is affecting. Almost half (48%) of parents struggle to manage their own screen time, but only 1 in 4 uses some kind of screen time tool or strategy to help keep their technology use in check.
“In today’s world, parents struggle to manage their own connectivity, while also overseeing how their children use technology and helping them strike a healthy balance,” says Eduardo Cruz, CEO and co-founder of Qustodio. “It’s no easy task, but with the right tools, support, and teamwork, children – and everyone else in the family – can be guided along the path to a healthier, more positive digital experience in our connected world.”
Families face some hurdles in setting limits. 51% of parents report that it is sometimes hard for them to set rules and restrictions on their child’s technology use, and 6% report they face a lot of difficulties. Most parents (51%) use a combination of two strategies, while 1 in 4 parents (28%) work with 3 different strategies in order to set limits on their child’s tech use.
Most parents opt for the conversational route, with 47% of families regularly discussing risks of the digital world. Some parents prefer a more structured approach, with 40% removing devices from their child during meals or bedtime, and 36% opting for a timer or schedule. 33% of parents make use of a parental control tool to help monitor their child’s screen time.
In order to help parents build a healthier relationship with technology, Qustodio offers digital wellbeing advice that can keep screen time more balanced, and productive.
1. Promote intentional technology use, encouraging family members to be more conscious of why they reach for screens.
- “What am I going to do with (device)?”
- “Am I picking this up because I’m bored?”
- “Is there something else I need to be doing now?”
2. Schedule screen downtime. Set daily or weekly times free from constant connectivity. Routines and schedules help children know what to expect, and the more family members that can be involved in screen downtime, the better.
3. Make screen time family time. Wherever possible, screen time should be less solitary – something it’s quickly become in our digital world. Co-watching new series or YouTube videos (especially with younger children), and playing games together are great ways to make screen time fun and get everyone involved.
4. Keep communication open. The more you speak to your children about the dangers (and benefits) of technology, being open and honest, the more likely they will be to see you as a place of trust, and someone who they can get advice from.
For the full report on parents’ and children’s technology use and management, head to “From Alpha to Z: raising the digital generations” at Qustodio.
For expert recommendations, cyber-security tips, and digital wellbeing advice, contact press@qustodio.com.