In today’s hyper-connected world, technology is both a tool and a challenge—especially for children. Kids are growing up surrounded by smartphones and screens, and many start using technology before they can even read. According to a recent study by the Modern Family Index (MFI), commissioned by Bright Horizons and conducted by The Harris Poll, 60% of parents say their children began using technology at a very young age. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of parents believe their kids need a break from screens, including 68% of parents with children under six.
While the long-term effects of too much screen time are still unclear, many parents worry about its impact on their children’s mental health. The 2024 U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory, Parents Under Pressure, highlights that the rapid rise of technology and social media poses new risks to children’s health and safety.
The Screen Time Dilemma
More than half of parents (55%) admit they use screens as a bargaining tool to get their kids to do chores or homework. Busy parents, especially those balancing work and family life, often rely on screen time as a reward. Working parents are more likely to do this (57%) compared to non-working parents (42%). Additionally, 58% of parents say they use screens to keep their children quiet in public places like restaurants or stores.
“Screens are everywhere, and it’s hard to avoid them,” said Rachel Robertson, Chief Academic Officer at Bright Horizons, a leading provider of early childhood education. “But parents should be careful about introducing screens too early. Setting limits early on can prevent bigger challenges later.”
Parental Concerns About Technology
Parents have many worries about their children, but their top concerns are safety (57%) and mental health (49%). While technology has its benefits, 42% of parents are concerned about how much time their kids spend on screens, and 44% admit their children use technology too much.
The Importance of Screen-Free Play
Many parents also worry that too much screen time is taking away from healthier activities. Around 61% say their children don’t engage enough in activities like playing outside, reading, or creative play. This lack of balance can lead to negative behaviors, such as spending less time with family (39%), relying on screens to manage emotions (35%), staying isolated in their rooms (30%), or feeling anxious about face-to-face interactions (23%).
Unstructured, screen-free play is crucial for children’s development. It helps them build creativity, empathy, and resilience—skills that screens can’t provide. When kids don’t have enough opportunities to play, their growth can be affected.
“It’s vital to make time for kids to explore, play, and build friendships offline,” Robertson added. “These experiences help children develop the skills they need not just for school, but for life.”
About the Modern Family Index
For over a decade, Bright Horizons has used its annual Modern Family Index to track the challenges and priorities of working families. The 2025 report will include new survey data on timely topics, released throughout the year.
Research Methodology
The Harris Poll conducted the survey online in the U.S. from February 6-10, 2025, among 2,000 adults, including 622 parents of children under 18. The data was weighted to reflect the population’s demographics. The survey has a margin of error of ±2.5 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
About Bright Horizons
Bright Horizons is a global leader in early education and childcare, serving over 1,450 employers worldwide. For more than 35 years, the company has supported working families by providing high-quality childcare, back-up care, and workforce education programs. Bright Horizons operates more than 1,000 centers across the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, Australia, and India.
