Parents and Children Clash Over Technology Use
A recent report reveals that nine out of ten parents find themselves arguing with their kids about how they use technology. Interestingly, about half of these debates occur at least once a week.
In a survey of 2,000 parents in the U.S. with children aged 8 to 17, 87% of kids admitted they’ve argued with their parents over tech usage. However, most of these arguments—approximately 61%—tend to be brief, often lasting just a few minutes.
The primary issues prompting discussions seem to be excessive screen time, cited by 46% of parents, and the use of phones at bedtime, reported by 40%. Additionally, gaming (28%), device use during meals (28%), exposure to inappropriate content (25%), and social media usage (25%) contribute to these conversations.
Outside of school, 56% of parents feel their children spend too much time online. Moreover, 46% believe that technology negatively affects their children’s emotional well-being.
Half of the children surveyed expressed their own concerns about their online activities, with 59% revealing they had watched violent virtual content—like extreme violence or serious injury—within the past year.
This study, commissioned by Aura and conducted by Talker Research, found that 86% of parents think their children are maturing faster than previous generations.
Despite the concerns, 58% claim they are “well aware” of their kids’ online habits, and nearly all (97%) engage in discussions about online safety.
“Children are becoming accustomed to the digital world from an early age, which, I think, can confuse parents as they try to navigate these new challenges,” said Dr. Scott Collins, a chief medical officer at Aura. He emphasized the importance of proactive discussions about safe online habits, suggesting these should start when children first use technology. These conversations should be casual and open, allowing children to feel comfortable voicing concerns about their online and real-life experiences.
Today, 87% of parents feel capable of discussing online risks with their kids and managing their digital footprints. For 95% of them, this begins with setting home internet use rules.
Common rules include requiring parental approval for digital purchases (64%), limiting device usage (50%), ensuring homework or chores are completed before device usage (49%), and parents knowing all passwords (47%). Other guidelines include not using social media until a certain age (43%), not using devices during family time (39%), and restricting Wi-Fi access at certain times (19%).
When rules are broken, parents typically respond by taking away devices (66%), cutting down screen time (42%), or checking to see if something is wrong (34%).
Interestingly, 71% of children believe their parents are aware of their online safety practices. Still, 25% think their parents are too strict, while 4% feel they are too lenient.
A significant number of children (38%) also reported having their devices taken away at least once a month due to disputes with their parents, often feeling frustrated (56%) or irritated (50%) after the fact.
Dr. Collins noted, “Restricting device use is more of a temporary fix than a true solution for teaching kids healthy digital habits. If children aren’t taught self-regulation regarding screen time and responsible online behavior, they might find ways to bypass the rules.”
He highlighted that as talks about the dangers of long-term tech use and online behavior increase, it becomes essential for parents to guide their children towards understanding what positive online behavior looks like. Learning to disconnect and engage with friends and family in person is vital—these habits really need to start at home.
Common Arguments Between Parents and Children
From the Parents’ Perspective:
- Technology usage (phones, games, social media) – 28%
- Chores or responsibilities – 25%
- Homework or grades – 21%
- Other topics – 13%
- Social activities or planning – 12%
From the Children’s Perspective:
- Technology usage (phones, games, social media) – 30%
- Chores or responsibilities – 24%
- Homework or grades – 22%
- Social activities or planning – 12%
- Other topics – 12%
Research Method:
The survey by Talker Research involved 2,000 American parents of children aged 8 to 17 with internet access. Commissioned by Aura, the research was conducted online from November 19 to November 25, 2025. A link to the survey can be found here.
