Managing your child’s relationship with screens can be a minefield, from navigating TikTok trends to evading parental controls.
By age 11, 91% of UK children owned smartphones, while the data from Ofcom found that 80% of children between 9 and 16 used them daily to access the internet. In the US, research suggested that 42% of children owned a smartphone by age 10 and 91% by age 14.
The lockdown accelerated the already increasing trend of device use among children and adults. Post-pandemic, children’s screen time has increased, according to a BBC survey. Average US 11-14 year-olds spent up to nine hours a day in front of screens, according to the CDC.
Parents expressed dissatisfaction with the amount of time their children spent online and its effect on mood and concentration. Strategies for limiting screen time vary, ranging from using tools like Google’s Family Link to setting rules about when screens are allowed.
Many parents struggle to monitor their child’s screen time due to work and other obligations. Some expressed concern about children spending excessive time on smartphones, while others found value in the educational content their children accessed.
The rise of smartphones has created challenges for young people, affecting their social lives and increasing pressure. Many parents strive to find a balance in their children’s device usage, acknowledging both the benefits and potential drawbacks.
Source: www.theguardian.com
