Parent survey: 87% families are struggling with screen time management

Screen time is a daily flashpoint for families, and most parents say it's getting no better

New Screentreat survey of parents with children aged 6–12 finds nearly nine in ten rank screen time among their family's top priorities

Managing screen time has become one of the central tasks of parenting. In a survey of 304parents of children aged 6–12, 87% called it one of their top priorities, and 15% called it the most important one.

It is also a source of friction at home. Some 36% of parents argue with their child about screens at least once a day, and 21% do so several times a day. Another 27% have such conflicts a few times a week or once a week. Only 9% say they never do.

Parents also feel the pressure building. 44% say screen time has become a bigger problem over the past year, against 14% who say it has eased. The rest see no change. The link to priority is strong: of parents who call it their single most important priority, 66% say it is getting worse.

The age pattern is notable. Daily conflict is lowest among parents of 6–8-year-olds (27%) and peaks among 9–10-year-olds (45%). It stays high at ages 11–12 (40%). Parents of boys and girls report similar levels (36% and 35%).