Over the years, the conversation around kid’s screen time has evolved from strict limits to an educational tool and baby sitter.
A new report from Lurie Children’s Hospital finds that nearly half (49%) of parents now rely on screens daily, not just for entertainment, but often to help manage childcare gaps.
- More than 1 in 3 (34%) parents have used screens because they couldn’t find childcare
- 71% use screens to help manage child’s behavior in public
- 81% of kids under 13 have their own device
More than half (54%) of parents worry their child is addicted to screens, which may help explain why 62% feel guilty about how much time their child spends on devices.
“Quality time with family helps children thrive,” says Alyssa Cohen, MD, MSc, pediatrician and health services researcher at Lurie Children’s. “We recommend that families designate screen-free times of day or areas of the home, such as mealtime, to promote uninterrupted connection.”
Check out the full report here: https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/blog/screen-time-2025/
