From schoolwork to texting friends, and gaming to streaming tv, children today are spending more time than ever on screens. In fact, an average of 7.5 hours a day, by some estimates. This increased connectivity offers valuable opportunities for learning, creativity and building friendships.
But it’s not without risks.
Just because your child has access to a seemingly endless online universe, doesn’t mean they have to navigate it alone. Parents play a critical role.
You can help teach and show your children what safe, responsible technology use looks like. With students heading back to school, now is a great time to talk to your kids about your family’s expectations and values when it comes to using devices.
How kids spend time on screens
How much time children spend on screens, and what they are doing in those hours, change as they age.
- Children under age 8 spend the least time on screens. When they are online, they tend to play video games and watch short-form videos like YouTube Shorts and TikTok, according to Common Sense Media.
- Tweens 8 to 12 years old continue with gaming and watching videos, but some begin dabbling in social media at this age.
- Teens ages 12 to 18 spend more time on social media, while continuing to enjoy gaming and videos. By the teen years, smartphones become both a constant companion and a frequent distraction, with one survey finding students receive hundreds of notifications on their devices every day.
To combat this, three-quarters of public schools restrict cell phone use during school. But that doesn’t mean students aren’t on screens.
The vast majority of schools (88%) provide devices for each and every student (usually a laptop or tablet) for educational purposes. Learning management systems, edtech learning platforms, and AI tutors are now regular parts of the school day.
They’re not going away.
Common Online Risks
The internet provides opportunities for students to connect, socialize, express themselves creatively, experience personalized learning and more. But those benefits come with potential pitfalls.
Here are some of the most common risks young people face online:
- Cyberbullying can look like harassment, teasing, exclusion or online stalking, and can take place on social media, online chats, comment sections or texting. It negatively impacts both the victim and those who witness it. (Learn how to identify and address cyberbullying here.)
- Phishing scams aren’t only targeting grownups with bank accounts. There have been high-profile phishing scams on popular kids gaming platforms like Minecraft and Roblox.
- Inappropriate content including violent, explicit or frightening photos and videos are a constant concern for parents, with research showing that social media algorithms often fail to filter out inappropriate content for young users.
- Privacy concerns from offering too much personal information online, to sharing your location through apps, can expose children to real-world dangers.
Supporting School Success with Digital Safety
Helping your children develop safe and healthy online habits will prepare them to thrive in school and out. Fewer distractions means increased focus on learning and face-to-face socializing. Limiting screen time at night and, especially before bed, can improve sleep habits — which supports both academic and athletic performance. Putting away devices during dinner time can help families connect, and give parents a chance to model their own screen-time limits.
Schools and teachers play an important role in helping students build good online habits and skills.
So do parents. 
Get Your Online Safety Checklist for Parents
Talking to your kids about online safety and how to build a healthy relationship with technology can set them up for success not just this school year but throughout life. Especially in our technology-driven world.
To help you get the conversation started in your home, download our Back to School Checklist for Parents (available in English and Spanish).