Just the facts: family communication

The following list of statistics and facts sheds light on the growing concern of screen time addiction in children and its impact on family communication and healthy technology habits.

These findings stress the importance of promoting healthy technology habits and digital wellness for kids in today's tech-driven world.

The average age a child gets their first smartphone is 10 years old (Influential Children Consumer Report, 2022)

Roughly half of children under the age of 12 have social media accounts, despite age restrictions (Pew Research Center, 2022)

61% of parents say their child has been exposed to inappropriate content online (McAfee Study, 2021)

70% of teens say social media companies don't do enough to protect users from harassment or bullying (Knight Foundation Study, 2020)

Elementary aged children who have 2 or more hours of screen time a day are twice as likely to have poor psychological health (BMC Public Health, 2022)

Only 24% of children aged 8-12 get the recommended hour a day of physical activity (Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance, 2021)

Excess screen time is associated with a 58% increased risk of obesity in kids and teens (JAMA Pediatrics, 2019)

Children ages 8-12 who use screens more than 2 hours per day are twice as likely to be distracted or have difficulty paying attention (Canadian Pediatrics Study, 2017)

7 out of 10 teens feel social media companies manipulate users to spend more time on platforms (Common Sense Media, 2018)

Roughly 20% of tweens have "friended" or connected with strangers online (Pew Research Center, 2018)

By understanding the facts and potential risks associated with excessive screen time, parents can take proactive steps to guide children towards healthy technology use and digital balance.

"Why Can't I Have a Cell Phone?" offers a relatable, engaging way to start these important conversations with kids and promote positive habits from an early age.

For more information on managing children's screen time and promoting digital wellness, check 

out "Why Can't I Have a Cell Phone?" and explore our website for practical tips and strategies.