The great news is that the report shows that parents are trying to be good digital role models and are overwhelmingly supportive of the positive benefits of media in their kids' lives. No, we're not perfect -- and the report reveals the tension between what we do and what we want our kids to do. But we're concerned about our kids, and most of us think we have a role in protecting them from online risks. Finally, the report suggests that when parents are aware of their kids' online activities, they're less likely to worry -- which is a great reason to be engaged with your kids' media. Here are some of the report's key findings:
Many parents have concerns about their children's social media use and other online activities. For example, 43 percent of parents are worried about their children spending too much time online. A third of parents are concerned that technology use is hurting their children's sleep.
Parents keep tabs on kids' media use. Most parents said that monitoring their tweens' and teens' media use is important for their safety. Two-thirds of parents say that monitoring media use is more important than respecting kids' privacy. More than two in five parents check their children's devices and social media accounts "always" or "most of the time."
Hispanic parents are more aware and more concerned. Hispanic parents are more aware of their kids' media use and manage it more than black or white parents. They also indicated more concern about their children's online activities. For example, 60 percent of Hispanic parents were concerned about their children spending too much time online, as compared to 37 percent of white parents and 33 percent of black parents.
As the report reveals, parents face a number of challenges in the digital age. The sheer amount of media and tech in our lives makes it tough to monitor and manage our own use -- let alone our kids'. And though screen-time guidelines are helpful, there are no hard-and-fast rules about how much is OK and how much is "too much."
But amid these obstacles, parents' positive attitudes about the role of technology is a hopeful sign. We should build on this optimism by supporting uses of technology that foster academic and personal development. Role-modeling is a great start to promoting a healthy digital lifestyle, and parents can help establish good habits through family rituals like device-free dinners and media activities that strengthen relationships. Taking a hard look at the family media environment is an important step toward helping kids develop the digital citizenship skills they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
Michael Robb is head of research at Common Sense, overseeing the development and execution of a mission-aligned research program, overseeing multiple research projects on the roles of media and technology in children and families' lives. He has published research on the roles of media and technology in children's lives in a variety of academic journals, and his work has been featured in press outlets such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, and NPR. Michael also has supervised community educational outreach efforts, helping parents and teachers make the most of quality children's programming. Michael received his B.A. from Tufts University, and M.A. and Ph.D. in psychology from UC Riverside.
Michael lives in Connecticut with his wife, two sons, and dog, Charlie. His hobbies include hiking, cycling, racquetball, escape rooms, video games, and binge watching great TV shows. Since having kids, he's now perfecting the art of picking up toys, building obstacle courses with pillows, and napping. He and his wife force their children to listen to showtunes in the car.
