Digital Childhood Starts at Age Two: Landmark Study Shows Evolution of Young Children's Media Use

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 26, 2025—Common Sense Media today released new research that examines digital media habits for children age 8 and under. The report, "The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Kids Age Zero to Eight," finds that 40% of children have a tablet by age 2, and their screen time remains steady at about 2.5 hours per day; however, there has been a shift in how screen time is being used. Gaming time has surged 65% since 2020, and traditional TV viewing has declined, while short-form video platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts are on the rise, underscoring the increasingly complex media environment that parents must navigate in their children's early years.

Key findings from the report include:

• By age 2, four in 10 children have their own tablet (40%).
• By age 4, more than half (58%) of children have their own tablet.
• By age 8, one in four children have their own cellphone.
• Overall, 51% of children age 8 and younger have their own mobile device (tablet or cellphone).
• About one in five children use mobile devices for emotional regulation, mealtimes, or to fall asleep.
• Parent supervision varies significantly by platform, with 62% of parents watching YouTube occasionally alongside their children, but only 17% co-viewing TikTok content.
• AI is making inroads into early childhood, with nearly one-third of parents reporting their child has used AI for school-related learning.
• Children from lower-income households are spending nearly twice as much time with screens compared to those from higher-income households (3:48 vs. 1:52 minutes daily).

The research also highlights a concerning supervision gap in how parents monitor different platforms, and how their concerns about screen media affect viewing habits. Fewer parents are co-watching short-form video content, despite its rapid-fire and algorithm-driven nature. And while three-quarters of parents express concerns about screen media, including excessive use and effects on mental health, many also recognize potential benefits, with 75% excited about their children learning new things through digital media.

"Our youngest children are on the front lines of an unprecedented digital transformation," said James P. Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media. "From AI to immersive gaming, they're experiencing technologies that didn't exist even a few years ago. It's a lot to manage as a new parent, which is why we're focused on giving families and educators the tools they need to harness the benefits of innovation while building healthy digital habits from the start."

For 20 years, Common Sense Media has provided information and resources to help families navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. The organization emphasizes the importance of quality content, co-viewing, and maintaining a healthy balance between screen time and other activities.

"Parents are sharing their concerns about the rapidly changing media landscape and how it affects their young children's development," said Jill Murphy, chief content officer with Common Sense Media. "While technology keeps evolving, what children need hasn't changed. Parents can take practical steps: be actively involved in what your little ones are watching, choose content you can enjoy together, and connect screen time to real-world experiences, like acting out stories or discussing characters' feelings. Set clear boundaries around device use, establish tech-free times for meals and bedtime, and remember that media should be just one of many tools for nurturing your child's natural curiosity."

For the complete report and additional resources for families and educators, visit http://www.commonsensemedia.org/2025census.