Global Survey Launched to Examine Teen and Parent Perspectives on Screen Time

The Parent Coaching Institute (PCI) has launched a comprehensive global survey project examining teen and parental perspectives on screen time and social media usage across multiple continents. The research initiative spans the United States, Canada, the Middle East, and Europe, focusing on uncovering critical insights into digital media consumption patterns and family communication challenges related to technology use. Founder and CEO Gloria DeGaetano emphasized the research's importance in addressing current limitations in understanding how screen time affects teen mental health, particularly the lack of awareness about teen preferences and resilience strategies in digital environments.

Christina Gika, a PCI Certified Parent Coach® and instructor, highlighted the project's primary objective of addressing communication barriers between parents and teenagers concerning technology use. The surveys specifically target teens aged 11-18 and their parents, aiming to gather comprehensive data that can help families navigate media challenges while preserving strong interpersonal connections. The research methodology involves exploring multiple dimensions of screen time, including detailed examination of teens' digital behaviors, personal preferences regarding technology use, and the decision-making processes parents employ when establishing digital boundaries.

The survey design incorporates questions about daily screen time habits, social media platform preferences, and the emotional impact of digital interactions on family relationships. Researchers anticipate the collected data will provide nuanced insights into effective strategies for managing technology use within family contexts, potentially revealing patterns that could inform better parenting approaches in the digital age. The global scope of the project allows for cross-cultural comparisons of how different societies approach screen time management and parent-teen communication about technology.

Survey results are scheduled for compilation and release in Spring 2025, with findings expected to offer valuable guidance for parents, educators, and family support professionals dealing with digital media challenges. PCI, recognized by Life Coach Magazine for its top-tier parent coach training through programs available at https://www.parentcoachinginstitute.com, continues to support professionals using evidence-based strategies and well-researched coaching frameworks. The organization's approach focuses on creating awareness and providing practical support for families navigating complex technological interactions in modern parenting contexts.

The research project represents a significant step toward developing more effective, teen-informed approaches to digital media management within families. By directly engaging both teens and parents in the research process, the surveys aim to create a more balanced understanding of technology's role in family life and identify strategies that respect both parental concerns and teen perspectives. The findings could potentially influence how families, schools, and support organizations approach digital literacy and healthy technology habits for younger generations.