Survey Finds Nine in Ten Parents Argue with Kids Over Technology Use

Nine in 10 parents report arguing with their kids about technology use, with about half saying the topic comes up at least weekly, according to a new survey. The poll of 2,000 U.S. parents of children aged 8 to 17 found that 87% of kids say they’ve argued with their parents about tech, and 61% say those discussions last only a few minutes.

Triggers include excessive screen time (46%), bedtime phone use (40%), gaming (28%), and using devices during meals or family time (28%). Other cited issues include watching or engaging with inappropriate content (25%) and social media use (25%).

Outside school, 56% of parents believe their child spends too much time online, and 46% say technology has harmed their kids' emotions. About 59% of kids said they have seen online videos in the past year showing extreme violence, serious injury, or death. The survey was commissioned by Aura and conducted by Talker Research, online, between Nov. 19 and Nov. 25, 2025.

“Kids are being introduced to the digital world at an early age, and it can be a confusing time for parents as they navigate these challenges with their family,” said Dr. Scott Kollins, Chief Medical Officer at Aura. “When it comes to safe online habits, parents need to be proactive. Discussing online safety should begin as early as possible once kids start actively using technology, and the conversations should be casual, non-judgmental, and open. It’s important that kids know the door is always open to voice concerns about what’s happening online and in real life.”

Eighty-seven percent of parents say they feel technologically savvy enough to talk to their kids about online risks and to manage their kids’ digital footprint. For the vast majority (95%), it begins with having rules about internet use in the home. Rules parents swear by include: all digital purchases need to be approved by them (64%), time limits on devices (50%), no devices until after homework and chores (49%), and parents knowing all passwords (47%). Other rules include no social media until a certain age (43%), no devices in family group settings (39%), and no Wi-Fi at certain times of day (19%).

And if those rules are broken, parents respond by taking away devices (66%), reducing screen time (42%), and checking in on whether their kids are struggling with something (34%). Most kids (71%) say their parents are aware of online safety, while 25% believe their parents are too strict and 4% say they are too lax.

According to parents, the arguments they have with their kids lead to devices being taken away at least once per month in about 38% of cases, leaving many feeling frustrated (56%) or annoyed (50%).

“Restricting devices is more of a band-aid than a foolproof solution when it comes to teaching kids healthy digital habits,” said Dr. Kollins. “Kids will find ways around the rules if they’re not being taught self-regulation and the importance of disconnecting from screens or managing their online behavior responsibly. Learning when it’s time to put the phone down to reconnect with friends and family in person can go a long way, and these habits start at home.”

Looking deeper at what arguments look like at home, parents cite technology use (phones, games, social media) as the top topic at 28%, followed by chores (25%), homework or grades (21%), curfew or social plans (12%), and other topics (13%). Among kids, technology leads at 30%, followed by chores (24%), homework or grades (22%), curfew (12%), and other topics (12%).

Research methodology: The study surveyed 2,000 American parents of children aged 8 to 17 who have internet access. It was commissioned by Aura and conducted online by Talker Research between Nov. 19 and Nov. 25, 2025.