Growing Digital Exposure: New Data on Children’s Tech Use & Parental Concerns
American parents are navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape for their children, with rising rates of early tech exposure and growing anxieties about online safety. A recent report from the Pew Research Center sheds light on these trends, revealing both the extent of children’s engagement with digital devices and the concerns parents hold regarding their impact.
The study highlights a notable increase in very young children’s access to digital content. Currently, 62% of parents report that children under the age of two watch videos on youtube – a considerable jump from 45% in 2020. Furthermore, over half (51%) of children are watching YouTube daily, demonstrating the platform’s pervasive role in their routines.
Alongside established platforms, emerging technologies are also entering the picture. The report found that 8% of children aged 5-12 have used AI chatbots like ChatGPT or Gemini. While still a relatively small percentage, this indicates an early adoption of generative AI among younger demographics. This is particularly noteworthy given the limited research available on the long-term effects of AI interaction on children’s cognitive, creative, and social development.
Parents are acutely aware of the potential downsides of this digital immersion. A majority (80%) view social media as harmful to children,a considerably higher negative perception than that held for smartphones (46%) or tablets (29%). This suggests parents are particularly concerned about the risks associated with algorithmic content recommendations and social interactions inherent in social media platforms.
These concerns are driving a desire for greater responsibility from both tech companies and lawmakers. A recent survey revealed that 67% of parents believe tech companies should implement more rules governing children’s online experiences, while 55% feel lawmakers should take further action to protect young users.
The report underscores that simply limiting screen time isn’t enough. Parents are increasingly focused on what content their children are consuming and how they are interacting with technology, recognizing the need for nuanced decisions about appropriate use and potential risks. Finding this balance, alongside responsible design from tech companies and supportive policy measures, will be a crucial challenge for families in the evolving digital age.
Source: Pew Research Center – https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/10/08/how-parents-manage-screen-time-for-kids/
Report Title: How Parents Manage Screen Time for Kids
