The fifth iteration of the Common Sense Census: Media Use by Kids Zero to Eight advances a long-running research series that examines trends in the media consumption of young children, providing insights into the role that technology plays from the crib to the classroom. The last 0 to 8 Census was conducted in early 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, which means that this new report offers a unique post-pandemic examination of changes in children’s media use and habits over this time period.
The key findings show that digital media habits for children age 8 and under are evolving. Forty percent of children have a tablet by age 2, and nearly 1 in 4 have a personal cellphone by age 8. While their screen time remains steady at about 2.5 hours per day, there has been a shift in how screen time is being used. Gaming time has surged 65% in four years, and traditional TV viewing has declined, while short-form video platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts are on the rise, underscoring the increasingly complex media environment that parents must navigate in their children’s early years.
These trends underscore the urgent need for thoughtful guidance, policies, and tools to help families face the digital world. Parents and caregivers can find links to our in-depth resources below.
