Survey Reveals Privacy and Safety as Top Concerns for Parents Regarding Children's Screen Time

A recent national survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of The Kids Mental Health Foundation, established by Nationwide Children's Hospital, has highlighted the primary worries parents have about their children's screen usage. As children spend increasing hours on digital devices, concerns about privacy and safety emerge as the most significant, with 47% of parents citing these issues. Close behind are worries about exposure to misinformation (36%) and the lack of in-person social interaction (34%). Interestingly, fewer parents are concerned about body image or academic impacts.

One parent from Columbus, Ohio, Xia Chekwa, expressed her concerns: "My biggest worries with screens are preventing exposure to inappropriate content and safeguarding against unwanted contacts. Children are aware that not all online environments are safe."

Most parents actively regulate their children's screen time—about 80%—employing strategies such as setting time limits (58%), encouraging offline hobbies (53%), and utilizing parental control software (34%). Dr. Ariana Hoet, Ph.D., emphasizes the importance of parental involvement, noting that children need guidance due to the designed addictive nature of digital platforms.

Effective communication about technology use is crucial. Dr. Hoet suggests parents should engage with their children by observing, asking questions, and showing genuine interest. This approach fosters trust and helps children develop healthy boundaries.

Supporting resources offered by The Kids Mental Health Foundation include free, evidence-based tools to help parents establish healthy screen habits and understand how digital devices affect children's mental health. Xia Chekwa advocates for creating social media plans and setting boundaries early, believing that these measures prepare children for responsible digital citizenship in the future.

The survey was conducted online in the U.S. from April 4 to 6, 2025, involving a representative sample of 1,085 parents of children under 18, with a margin of error of ±3.2%. For further insights and resources, parents are encouraged to visit The Kids Mental Health Foundation's website.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-survey-privacy-safety-parental-screen.html