The Parent Coaching Institute (PCI) has released the results of a multi-national survey exploring parent and teen perspectives on screen time, smartphone use, and social media. The study, conducted by PCI founder Gloria DeGaetano and PCI Certified Parent Coach Christina Gika, surveyed parents and teens in the United States, Greece, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and several Middle Eastern countries including Egypt, Bahrain, and Jordan. Most parent and teen respondents were not related, and all were randomly selected.
The survey comprised 24 questions, with a mix of multiple-choice and open-ended responses. Its goal was to assess alignment between parents and teens on screen use and to identify strategies for improving digital habits. According to DeGaetano, the findings mirror decades of research: while technology boundaries are necessary, how they are developed, enforced, and sustained—along with how teens perceive parental intent—are crucial in shaping teens' relationship with technology.
Key factors influencing teens' screen use included communication style, parental modeling, perceptions of trust, and collaborative boundary-setting. The data suggest that thoughtful parental guidance leads to teens' internal control of their screen use. Gika emphasized that the findings move the conversation beyond screen time toward the parent-teen relationship, highlighting the importance of trust, communication, and connection in supporting healthy digital habits.
DeGaetano noted, "When families prioritize connection over control, technology stops being a source of friction and starts being a tool for growth. In the end, the parent-teen bond remains the only truly un-hackable digital safety feature." A white paper detailing the survey results is available for download for parents and professionals working with families.
The Parent Coaching Institute, recognized as an innovative leader in family support, was recently featured in an article about parent coaching. PCI offers a year-long online Parent Coach Certification program in affiliation with Southern New Hampshire University. Applications for the 2026 Fall Term are being accepted until September 1, with the term beginning in mid-September. More information is available at www.ThePCI.org.
For HR vendors, this research underscores the growing demand for family-friendly workplace policies that support digital wellness. Employers may consider offering parent coaching benefits or workshops that help employees navigate screen time challenges, potentially improving productivity and reducing stress. The findings also highlight opportunities for HR technology solutions that promote work-life balance and digital health, aligning with broader trends in employee wellbeing.
