Nearly half of American parents fear for their children’s online safety, as a new national survey reveals deep concerns about screen time — and highlights the urgent need for healthier digital habits.
Key Points at a Glance
- 47% of parents rank privacy and safety as their top concern with kids’ screen time.
- Other major fears include exposure to misinformation and lack of in-person socialization.
- Most parents are actively managing screen use with time limits and offline activities.
- Experts stress the importance of parental involvement and tech conversations.
- Free tools from The Kids Mental Health Foundation help set healthy boundaries.
As screens become a daily fixture in children’s lives, a new national survey reveals what’s really keeping parents up at night. Conducted by Ipsos for The Kids Mental Health Foundation, founded by Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the survey asked over 1,000 parents of children under 18 about their biggest concerns regarding screen time. The answer was loud and clear: safety.
A full 47% of parents ranked privacy and online safety as their number one concern, with fears ranging from predatory contact to exposure to age-inappropriate content. “My biggest concern is that my kids might see something before I’m ready for them to — or someone might try to contact them,” said Xia Chekwa, a mother of three in Columbus, Ohio.
Beyond safety, 36% of parents cited misinformation as a top concern, with 34% worried that too much time on screens is harming their child’s ability to socialize in person. Issues like body image and school performance trailed far behind.
Despite the anxiety, parents are far from passive. Eight in ten are actively taking steps to manage their child’s screen time. The most effective strategies, according to the survey, include setting time limits (58%), encouraging offline hobbies (53%), and using parental control apps (34%).
But tools and timers aren’t enough. Experts like Dr. Ariana Hoet, pediatric psychologist and executive clinical director at The Kids Mental Health Foundation, emphasize that real change starts with conversations. “We can’t expect kids to set their own boundaries,” she says. “Technology is literally designed to keep them engaged. Parents need to be part of the digital dialogue — understanding what their children are doing, who they’re talking to, and how it’s affecting them.”
That involvement starts with sitting down. Watching how children use technology, asking questions, and showing interest, says Dr. Hoet, not only strengthens trust but offers invaluable insights into their digital world. “It helps the child feel seen — and it helps the parent stay informed,” she adds.
This hands-on approach is central to the Foundation’s new initiative, Kids Mental Health Starts With Us. Launched during Mental Health Awareness Month, the campaign calls on all adults — not just parents, but also teachers, coaches, and grandparents — to be proactive in building mental resilience in kids before problems begin.
To support that mission, The Kids Mental Health Foundation has developed a range of free resources: evidence-informed guides, digital curriculum, and educational videos, all aimed at helping adults confidently navigate screen time and mental health.
Chekwa agrees. Her goal is to raise children who can navigate the online world with independence and discernment. “There will come a time when we’re not there,” she says. “I want my daughter to use her own intuition — not just follow rules because Mom and Dad said so.”
As millions of children grow up immersed in digital spaces, this message feels more urgent than ever. Screen time may be here to stay, but with guidance, awareness, and meaningful connection, it doesn’t have to come at the cost of safety or mental well-being.
Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
