Modern Parents Struggle to Disconnect Their Children from Screens

Conducted by Talker Research for Celebree School, the study highlights a widening gap between how children spent their time a generation ago and the current reality of screen-saturated lives. While 67% of parents identify increased device usage as the primary driver of this shift, they simultaneously express a desire to reclaim the simplicity of the past. Respondents frequently cited hide-and-seek, bike riding, and neighborhood play as the formative experiences missing from their children's daily routines.

This nostalgia is fueled by a persistent tension between the pressure to keep children entertained and the recognized value of boredom. Roughly 62% of parents report feeling obligated to curate their child’s time, yet 75% acknowledge that moments of boredom are essential for fostering creativity and problem-solving. Kristen Miller, Vice President of Education at Celebree School, notes that the most significant developmental gains often occur when children are left to invent their own games or explore their surroundings without adult intervention.

Despite the pervasive influence of technology, parents maintain a clear consensus on what facilitates healthy development. Outdoor exploration, reading, and physical construction—such as building forts—remain the preferred activities for sparking imagination. The data suggests that while the landscape of childhood has evolved, the fundamental need for independent, unstructured play remains a priority for the modern family.