Common Sense Research

csm research

About the Research Program

The mission of Common Sense Research is to provide parents, educators, health organizations, and policymakers with reliable, independent data on children's use of media and technology and the impact it has on their physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development. For further inquiries, contact us at [email protected].

Featured Research

Social Media, Social Life: Teens Reveal Their Experiences (2018)
September 10, 2018
Teens use media in unexpected and meaningful ways. This report surveys young people about how social media affects their social and emotional well-being, for better or worse, and explores the major changes and trends in social media use since 2012.
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Quarterly Survey Series
June 11, 2018
In today's 24/7 digital world, our relationship to media and technology changes constantly. This series identifies media-use trends and keeps pace with families' evolving perspectives on tech. Surveys are conducted in partnership with SurveyMonkey.
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Virtual Reality 101: What You Need to Know About Kids and VR
April 4, 2018
From immersive games to learning simulations, virtual reality is now a very real part of some families' lives. This report covers how VR may affect kids' development and captures parents' views on the benefits and drawbacks of having VR devices at home.
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Character Is Common Sense: A Report on an Initiative Linking Media, Kids, and Character Strengths
November 3, 2017
The Character Education and Life Skills Initiative helps parents and educators discover quality media that assist kids in developing positive character strengths. This report details the research, insights, and recommendations that guide the initiative.
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The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Kids Age Zero to Eight 2017
October 19, 2017
New technologies are changing the way kids interact with media -- even in their earliest years. The 2017 Census builds on previous studies from 2011 and 2013 to reveal how media use among babies and young children has evolved over time.
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The New Normal: Parents, Teens and Digital Devices in Japan
September 25, 2017
Common Sense Media partnered with The Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at USC to develop this study of teens and parents in Japan. The report reveals that many families feel digital devices are a source of concern and anxiety.
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Watching Gender: How Stereotypes in Movies and on TV Impact Kids' Development
June 19, 2017
Kids learn a great deal about social norms from movies and television. This report explores the effects of on-screen gender stereotypes on kids' beliefs and behaviors and highlights opportunities for greater gender equity in children's media.
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News and America's Kids: How Young People Perceive and Are Impacted by the News
March 8, 2017
Access to reliable, unbiased news is a national imperative, especially when it comes to children. This report from Common Sense Research captures kids' firsthand experiences with news and their views on how the news media portray young people.
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The Common Sense Census: Plugged-In Parents of Tweens and Teens 2016
December 6, 2016
In the first Common Sense Census focused on parents, we take an in-depth look at parents' personal media use and their attitudes and concerns about their kids' media use. The report uncovers key strategies for balancing screen time and family time.
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