Children more aware of negative impact of smartphones than parents, overuse leading to conflicts: Study

One of the study’s most striking revelations was that children appeared more aware of the negative effects of excessive smartphone use than their parents.

Smartphones have revolutionised the way people connect, work, and entertain themselves, but they may also be silently undermining family bonds. A recent study titled Impact of Smartphones on Parent-Child Relationships has raised concerns about how excessive smartphone use is eroding connections between parents and children in India.

The findings, part of the sixth edition of the vivo Switch Off survey conducted in collaboration with CyberMedia Research (CMR), revealed that while technology is indispensable, it has also become a source of conflict within families. The study serves as a stark reminder of the need to strike a balance in an increasingly screen-dominated world.

One of the study’s most striking revelations was that children appeared more aware of the negative effects of excessive smartphone use than their parents. Around 69% of children admitted that their parents' smartphone habits had led to conflicts at home. Furthermore, an overwhelming 94% of children expressed a preference for their parents’ phones to focus on basic features such as calling, messaging, and photography, advocating for the removal of apps related to entertainment, gaming, and social media.

Children also demonstrated a collective desire for change. About 66% stated they would be willing to quit social media if their peers did the same. Additionally, over 90% wished that some popular social media platforms had never been created, reflecting their frustration with the digital environment in which they have grown up.

While 75% of parents expressed concerns about their children’s ability to form meaningful relationships, the study highlighted an ironic twist—many parents seemed unaware of how their own smartphone usage was affecting their bond with their children. On average, parents spent more than five hours daily on their devices, compared to four hours for children.

A significant 73% of parents admitted that their smartphone use had caused friction within the family. Even during key moments such as family vacations and celebrations, both parents and children confessed to using their phones, illustrating how deeply ingrained these habits had become.

Despite the challenges posed by digital distractions, the study revealed a shared longing among families to reconnect. About 84% of parents and 76% of children expressed a desire to strengthen their relationships through meaningful, screen-free family time. Both groups explored potential solutions, including creating “phone-free” zones at home and mutually agreeing on screen-time limits.

A significant one-third of children voiced the opinion that the world would be better off without certain apps, further reflecting their dissatisfaction with the impact of social media and digital distractions. However, they also saw hope in collective action. Many children stated they were ready to embrace healthier smartphone habits if their families and peers committed to doing the same.