A JAMA Pediatrics review of 100+ studies found that children whose parents avoided screens during meals and routines had better social skills and emotional regulation.
United States, May. "Gen Alpha" — children born after 2010 — is the first digital-age generation with tablet and smartphone access from birth. New data presents a worrying picture of their screen time.
An average of 5.5 hours
According to the latest study, children as young as eight average about 5.5 hours daily on screens, with usage rising with age. This excludes school and homework time.
Social media at age 9
By age 9, 23% of Gen Alpha spend 3-6 hours daily on social media; 46% spend that much time online broadly. YouTube Kids, Roblox, and TikTok have the heaviest presence.
Parents' dilemma
77% of US parents describe their Gen Alpha child as a "screen addict", yet over 85% say technology makes parenting easier. The contradiction captures the new generation's parenting challenges.
The top reason for access
The top reason parents allow social platform access is "to entertain them" (80%). 65% admit they hand a screen because of "exhaustion".
The JAMA Pediatrics review
A JAMA Pediatrics review of 100+ studies found that children whose parents avoided screens during meals and routines had better social skills and emotional regulation. Researchers called the "screen-free dinner" a "simple but powerful" intervention.
Expert recommendations
Revised American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines recommend less than 1 hour of screen time for 2-5 year olds and "consistent limits" for those above 6. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics has issued similar guidance.
