(San Francisco) – October 20, 2015
BabyCenter.com, the #1 pregnancy and parenting digital resource, today released the findings of a new study that examined children’s use of mobile devices, the Internet, and social media. BabyCenter found that 4 out of 5 parents allow their children (1 to 9 years of age) to use their smartphone or tablet, and 65 percent of children start playing with their parent’s smartphone or tablet before age 3. Using Mom’s or Dad’s devices doesn’t last, though. Over half of children have their own adult phone (65 percent) and nearly 2 in 5 have their own adult tablet; 20 percent received their first phone by age 8, and 71 percent had their own tablet by the same age.

Even the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is noticing the trend and rethinking its guidelines. For years, the AAP discouraged any screen time at all for children under the age of 2. But according to BabyCenter’s survey, 80 percent of parents weren’t able to live up to the guideline, and many either felt guilty or gave up on trying. In a recent statement, the AAP noted, “In a world where ‘screen time’ is becoming simply ‘time,’ our policies must evolve or become obsolete.” With social media training in schools and homework being done online, educators are also acknowledging the value of digital devices and looking for ways they can be used to enhance learning.

“The days of demonizing devices are over,” said Linda Murray, BabyCenter Global Editor in Chief. “Millennial parents grew up surrounded by technology and multiple screens. These are essential tools for modern living and that includes parenting. Handing a child a tablet or smartphone at a young age isn’t poor parenting. It’s a rite of passage and the beginning of a child’s education about the digital world we live in.”

That more-relaxed attitude goes beyond playing with devices, watching videos, and surfing the web. Parents say that more than a third of their children have some type of social media account, and 22 percent opened an account by age 10. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube are the top social media sites among all ages, and kids cite staying connected with friends as the top reason for wanting to use social media.

Millennial parents are so comfortable with their kids using technology that, outside of setting parental controls on devices, 1 in 10 parents do not even monitor their kids’ use. In fact, 2 out of 5 older children (age 9 and up) are given unlimited access to the Internet without any monitoring whatsoever.

“Today’s parents are taking a more balanced approach to their kids’ technology use. They aren’t overly concerned about what their children are doing online,” said Murray. “For Millennial parents, the benefits of technology far outweigh any risks. When it comes to parental attitudes about kids and technology, freedom and trust have replaced fear and control.”

For more information, please visit www.babycenter.com/media-savvy-parenting.

About BabyCenter^® LLC

BabyCenter is the world’s partner in parenting. The #1 pregnancy and parenting digital destination, BabyCenter reaches more than 45 million moms and dads monthly in 11 languages and 13 markets from Canada to the Middle East to China. In the United States, 7 in 10 babies born last year were BabyCenter babies. BabyCenter provides parents with trusted information, advice from peers, and support that’s Remarkably Right^® at every stage of their child’s development. Products include websites, mobile apps, online communities, email series, social programs, print publications, and public health initiatives. BabyCenter also leverages its industry-leading audience engagement to provide unparalleled insights and innovative marketing solutions to the world’s top brands, retailers, and institutions. BabyCenter is also committed to improving maternal health globally, and, through its Mission Motherhood™ campaign, works closely with nonprofits, NGOs, and governments to help make motherhood safer for all women. BabyCenter LLC is a member of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies.

Contact:
Nicole Centinaro / Sue Murphy
Coyne Public Relations
973-588-2000