Parents Viewpoint

Children today often have a stronger desire to use technology rather than play outside, do arts and crafts, spend time with friends, or interact with their families. This growing interest in devices has raised concerns about how parenting is changing and how technology is influencing children's daily lives. As children increasingly turn to screens for fun, learning, and socializing, it raises important questions about what kind of parenting strategies are now considered normal.

Research shows that the amount of screen time children have is often influenced by parental rules, family routines, and how parents feel about technology (5, 6). For example, some studies suggest that children with stricter screen-time rules or parents who encourage other activities like outdoor play or creative hobbies tend to spend less time on screens. Younger children, in particular, tend to copy the behavior of their parents and older siblings, picking up their technology habits as well (8). In some cases, this means children start using devices at an early age because they see others using them so often. Additionally, family interactions and how families spend their time together can have a big impact on how children balance screen time with other activities like socializing, exercising, and bonding with their family.