Rethinking screen time

For years, the conversation around screen time has focused mostly on quantity: how many hours are too many? But a recent U.S. national survey suggests a shift in concern. Parents today are more worried about what their children are exposed to online — particularly issues like privacy, safety, and misinformation — rather than just screen duration.

This shift matters especially for international families, who often rely on technology to stay connected, integrate into new cultures, or access educational content in different languages. But this global access can also mean greater vulnerability.

What Are Parents Most Worried About?

In the survey, nearly half of all parents said their top concern was their child's online safety and privacy — including data tracking, online predators, and the permanence of digital footprints. This outranked fears about too much screen time itself. Close behind were concerns about kids encountering misinformation and becoming less socially engaged in real life.

These concerns are particularly relevant for international parents navigating unfamiliar media ecosystems or parenting across cultures. Content moderation, digital laws, and even common apps vary widely between countries — making it harder to monitor or regulate what children see.

Why the Shift in Focus Is Important

While screen limits are still useful, experts now emphasize how children are engaging with screens, not just how often. Are they passively scrolling or actively learning? Are they connecting with friends or exposed to harmful content? For international families, it’s about balance — using screens as tools without letting them dominate social or emotional development.

What Can Parents Do?

• Talk regularly about online experiences — even more important when your child is exposed to new cultural norms and platforms.

  
  

• Teach critical thinking: Help kids question what they see online, especially when content comes from unfamiliar or unreliable sources.

  
  

• Prioritize quality over quantity: Educational programs, language-learning apps, and video calls with loved ones can support healthy development.

  
  

• Know the platforms your children use. Parental controls can differ depending on where you live, so stay informed on regional laws and tools.

  
  

Raising children in a digital, cross-cultural world is complex — but with open communication and thoughtful screen habits, international families can help their children grow up both connected and safe.