This is the thing I don't really get. It always seems that some adults and some news programs always complain about how its the 'kids' are always on their phone. Here is proof that adults are just as bad as kids and that the kids are noticing while taking up the habit from their parents.
A new Genius of Play poll of parents with kids ages five to 18 finds:
- Half of those polled admit they’ve been asked by their children to put their phone away.
- 62% of parents say they are on their phone too much when they’re with their children.
- 69% say they are “addicted” to their phone.
- Parents say they spend, on average, about two hours and 41 minutes of quality, screen-free time with their kid each day, which is almost as much time as they spend on their phone each day, which is two hours and 17 minutes.
When it comes to their kids, 74% of parents are worried about too much screen time, but while they try to impose limits, they definitely don’t take them away altogether. The survey notes:
- 65% of parents put a limit on the amount of time their kids can be in front of a screen.
- The average limit is about two hours per day.
- 83% of parents agree screens and technology are a necessary part of raising a child right now.
- As for what they're used for, 58% say it keeps their kid occupied, 53% use it as a reward, and 52% use it to help calm their children down.
- 63% of parents take screen time away as a punishment.
Over the past few months, I have made a conscious effort in not being on my phone as much while I'm by myself and especially with other people.