Phones and busy schedules undercut family conversations, survey finds

A new survey of 2,000 parents finds that mobile devices and packed schedules are increasingly undermining conversations with children. The study, conducted by Talker Research for Solo Stove, shows that a child has their phone in hand 52% of the time when a parent tries to talk, a finding that correlates with growing concern among parents. In fact, 78% say they are worried they spend less time in real conversations with their child.

The results also point to device distraction in parental relationships: 58% say their partner is distracted by a phone during more than half of conversations. Even so, 74% have had a device-free conversation with their child within the past week, compared with 64% who report the same opportunity with their partner. To address this, 82% of parents have enacted some form of a no-phones rule during certain activities, such as dinner (47%), family movie nights (38%), and family outings (28%).

But phones aren’t the only barrier to connecting with loved ones. The survey found that busy schedules (49%), household chores (48%), work commitments (43%), and constant activities (32%) compete for attention. Many polled say they schedule “appointments” for quality time with family and friends (48%), date nights with a partner (41%), time to exercise (35%), and self-care (34%). Even when time is carved out, 56% say at least one person is distracted by a phone, work, stress, or something else during those hangouts.

57% frequently check their phone to see whether there are any new notifications, underscoring how pervasive constant connectivity has become. The survey also reveals social-fraying patterns: 22% admit it has been a year or more since they had an in-person honest conversation about their hopes and dreams. While 40% have shared a belly laugh in the last week, only 38% report an outdoor hangout with family and friends, and 10% cannot remember the last time they caught up with a neighbor in person. Overall, 71% say they wish they could go back to a less digitally connected world.

Parents currently spend an average of three days per week with friends and family in their backyard space, a metric that hints at the value many place on outdoor time. If that backyard space were more inviting, 89% say they would spend more time together outside.

“As many families are looking for ways to feel more connected, our research shows that their backyards and the outdoors can play an important role,” said Liz Vanzura, CMO of Solo Stove. “In fact, 89% of people said that if their backyard was more inviting, they would spend more time together outside. Whether with family, friends, or neighbors, stepping outdoors creates a chance to put down the screens, have real conversations, and strengthen the bonds that matter most.”

Survey methodology: Talker Research surveyed 2,000 parents of kids under 18; the survey was commissioned by Solo Stove and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Aug. 29 and Sept. 4.