Common Sense Media: As technology continues to reshape every aspect of our society, it is more crucial than ever to understand its influence on our youngest generation. We are excited to share the latest edition of the Common Sense Census: Zero to Eight, which provides the first comprehensive look since the pandemic at how children from birth to age 8 are engaging with media and technology. We see both challenge and opportunity in our latest findings. While 75% to 80% of parents express concerns about screen media’s impact, three-quarters also recognize the potential for learning and connection. This tension—balancing technology’s risks with its benefits—defines the modern parenting experience. Parents of young children face the dual challenge of navigating screen media use and preserving fundamental childhood experiences like daily reading, which has declined from 64% to 52% among 5- to 8-year-olds since 2017, even as overall screen time remains steady. The report highlights the convergence of early childhood and technology. Screen time is no longer just a mainstay of children’s entertainment and education—it’s now an integral part of daily activities for many families. We found that 1 in 5 families now use mobile devices to help manage their child’s bedtime routines, mealtimes, and emotional regulation. From the data, several critical themes have emerged:

• Children are acquiring screens at a younger age. By age 2, 4 in 10 children have their own tablet (40%). By age 4, more than half (58%) of children have their own tablet. By age 8, nearly 1 in 4 children have their own cellphone. Overall, 51% of children age 8 and younger have their own mobile device (such as a tablet or cellphone).
• Parent supervision varies significantly by platform, with 62% of parents watching YouTube occasionally alongside their children, but only 17% co-viewing TikTok content.
• AI is making inroads into early childhood, with nearly one-third of parents reporting their child has used AI for school-related learning.
• navigate them thoughtfully. How we respond to these changes today will shape not just our children’s relationship with technology, but their development, learning, and well-being for years to come…”