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The 2025 Common Sense Media Report highlights just how integral screens have become in young children’s daily lives.
Updated Mar. 05, 2025
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As a mom of five, I know firsthand how screen time can slowly take over. What started in our house as a firm “no screens for toddlers” has, 12 years later, become something we constantly negotiate. At different times, I’ve had to reset rules hard—like banning screens during the school week and capping weekend time at two hours. Other days, like when I’m sick, those rules go right out the window.
That’s why it’s so important to frequently check in on the latest research, like the 2025 Common Sense Media Census, which offers a fresh look at how kids under 8 are using screens.
The 2025 Common Sense Media Report highlights just how integral screens have become in young children’s daily lives.
For babies and toddlers, screen use is already significant. Children under 2 spend an average of 1 hour and 3 minutes on screens daily. That number jumps to over 2 hours (2:08) for kids ages 2-4 and reaches 3 hours and 28 minutes for kids ages 5-8.
Related: Former teacher shares her ‘secret weapon’ on reducing screen time
The way kids engage with screens has also evolved. According to the report:
Related: Dr. Becky’s tips for setting screen time boundaries during the holidays are a lifesaver
Let’s be honest—screens have become an essential support tool for many parents. We live in a society that is facing an epidemic of parental burnout. Parents today are stretched thin by:
Given all this, it makes sense that screens have become the stand-in babysitter that parents don’t actually have. And instead of guilt, we need understanding—for ourselves and for each other.
Related: Worried about your baby’s screen time? 5 strategies to reduce the pull
If you’re feeling like screen time has taken over, here are some small, empowering shifts to help bring it back under control:
Most importantly: give yourself grace. We are the first generation of parents navigating this level of digital exposure, without a roadmap. It’s okay to set limits. It’s okay to change them. And it’s okay to use screens when you need to survive the hard days.
Ultimately, screens are just one aspect of childhood. And while the numbers may be shifting, what hasn’t changed is what our kids need most: love, connection, and parents who are doing their best.
Related: Study shows parents need to ‘practice what they preach’ when it comes to kids’ screen time
This statistic is a gut punch, laying bare the dire reality facing millions of parents…
I have five kids, one husband, two feet, and absolutely no idea how to conquer the misery that is family sock management.
From decoding quirky childhood habits to tackling tough parenting challenges, this year’s most-searched topics reflect the universal and unique moments that make raising kids so special.
The 2025 Common Sense Media Report highlights just how integral screens have…
"We know that when screens are in use—either by a parent or a child—there is less talking, teaching and reading."
Researchers discovered tablets may "contribute to a cycle" of problems with emotional regulation.
Woody, Buzz and the gang are gearing up for a tech-filled challenge—and it’s got me thinking about my own kids’ future.
Parental controls are just one of many features on these phones for kids.
The so-called butter sleep hack reportedly began with U.S. parents before making its way to the UK and New Zealand.
DST is around the corner, and sadly, there are no exemptions for the already-sleep-deprived.
Nex turns your living room into an arcade by transforming movement into gameplay…
New research suggests that babies can “taste” flavors in the womb…
Researchers found that a simple, gradual exposure to peanuts helped children with peanut allergies build tolerance.
77% reported that fine motor skills like holding pencils, using scissors, and writing have become more challenging for young students.
One of the girls begins stimming—a common self-regulating behavior often associated with autism, the other little dancer joins right in.
She reimagined her classroom as a workplace-style setting that gave students more autonomy, responsibility, and accountability.
7. "How can I help…"
While the lesson is aimed at children, the reality is that many of us needed to hear it, too.
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with fun crafts.
Ever wonder how to teach your kids to fight fear, to live brave and overcome hard things?
They're not only fun, they're a vital part of development.
Recently, historian Dr. Esmé James shared what's essentially a 4,000-year-old text message from a teenager to his mother.
To date, there have been seven reports of children accessing the fan blades, resulting in six laceration injuries.
🫠 “Me just realizing the room I was told to pump in has a camera.”
The family bed debate is just one piece of a much larger conversation about how families sleep best—and, more importantly, what research actually says about co-sleeping.
And for 15% of moms, baby-related expenses eat up over half of what they bring in.
“I pay my daughter to take naps. Not the baby, the toddler. And before you judge me, this s**t works.”
Teaching kids the value of a dollar, budgeting, and the work ethic that goes into earning money is one of the greatest gifts we can give them.
High fives? Good touch. Hugs? Good touch. Mouth? Bad touch.
© 2025 Motherly. All Rights Reserved.
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by Sana Azem
Terron Christopher Matasaran, 36, was charged with murder and child abuse for the death of a 7-month-old boy in Gaithersburg, Maryland in 2024, according to the Montgomery County Police Department (Montgomery County Police Department).
TOPICS:
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A man was charged with murder and child abuse for the death of a 7-month-old boy he was babysitting in Gaithersburg, Maryland in 2024, according to the Montgomery County Police Department.
Terron Christopher Matasaran, 36, was arrested Tuesday for his alleged connection to the boy's death in September 2024.
On Sept. 23, officers said they responded to the 11600 block of Steward Lane for the report of an unresponsive baby boy. At the time, Matasaran, who was a friend of the baby boy's family, was babysitting the baby, officials said. He reported to police that the baby boy had allegedly fallen, officials said.
READ| 'I need closure': Mother seeks clarity in disappearance of her son in Southeast DC
Matarsan allegedly called the boy's mother, who was at work, and when she returned home, she found her baby unresponsive, officials said. The mother called police and began CPR until first responders arrived, officials said but the boy died at the scene.
Following an autopsy, the boy was found to have suffered a head injury and rib fractures, officials said and the death was ruled a homicide.
On March 3, detectives requested and obtained a warrant for Matasaran’s arrest, officials said. On March 4, officers arrested Matasaran at his workplace in Bladensburg, Maryland, officials said. He is being held without bond at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, officials said.
NEW YORK (WABC) — With Christmas and Hanukkah just two weeks away, there's still time to buy some presents for the kids.
This week is a sweet spot for deals on toys, in which prices dip before jumping back up to entice last-minute shoppers.
7 On Your Side and Toy Insider has you covered for your holiday shopping needs for the little ones.
The Disney Crystal Surprise is a cool little ball with a surprise collectible. Inside each ball is a crystallized Disney figure, and there are up to 12 different figures you can collect.
Disney is the parent company of WABC-TV.
Up next is the Metal Machines Speed Heroes toy, which is a fully buildable, customizable race car. Inside the box, you dig through 20 surprise pieces that, when put together, build a car.
There are two different car bodies to choose from, and it's got real working lights and sounds too.
Another gift to consider buying is the Barbie Pop Reveal toy, which is a little lipstick container with a hidden surprise. When you pop off the top, you find a miniature Barbie.
If your kids are into STEM, then consider buying the Clip Kit from Fat Brain Toys. The kit comes with a bunch of silicone pieces that you can build structures and practice patterns, but when you pull them apart, that's when the magic happens.
The kit also comes with a small travel bag, making this toy portable.
The Dino Dig & Dionarama set may be a gift to consider for kids interested in the prehistoric animals. Kids dig through 10 eggs with paleontology-inspired tools to reveal dinosaurs, which all together create a whole "dino diorama."
One of the hottest toys of the year according to Toy Insider is the Hatchimals Alive Mystery Hatch. The toy comes with a little egg that you pop in the wings to activate your Hatchimal. Kids will love their hatchimal by holding, cradling and playing with it.
There are several different Hatchimals to collect. The Hatchimals toy series first came out in 2016.
If you're interested in any of the featured toys, you can visit the Toy Insider website for more information.
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SPENCER Matthews has shared his fears over his children being branded as nepo-babies.
And because of his fears around nepotism and the public perception of kids from wealthy families, the former Made In Chelsea star WON'T be leaving his multi-million pound fortune to his kids.
Keen to avoid his children becoming "trust fund kids", the 36-year-old has revealed he won't be leaving his fortune to his offspring.
Spencer is the son of multimillionaire Eden Rock hotelier David Matthews, so knows all too well what it's like to be branded a nepo-baby and "trust fund kid".
Educated at Eton College, where fees are currently £63,000 a year, Spencer has lived a very privileged life but seems determined to make sure his children grow up to earn their own money.
Spencer shares three children with his wife Vogue Williams.
The couple share Theodore, six, Gigi, four, and Otto, two.
Speaking to The Mirror about how he doesn't want his kids to become nepo-babies, he said: "There’s no point in doing well in life and then giving it all to your kids.
"It’s doing them a huge disservice."
He then spoke about comedian Jimmy Carr's outlook and how he agrees with him.
"Jimmy quite eloquently talks about trust fund kids who are given everything, and he sees them as just being really unfortunate, actually, and I would completely agree."
He added: "If you’re a young man who’s just given everything, or a young woman, who’s just given everything, you may not ever understand the need to work because you have what you think you want.
"And then, therefore, you won’t ever feel proud of yourself.
"You won’t ever have a sense of achievement."
Spencer and Vogue got hitched in June 2018 when they tied the knot at his family's Glen Affric Estate in Cannich.
The intimate ceremony wasn't the couple's only wedding though, with them later having a second star-studded ceremony in London that was filmed for E4.
A 'nepo baby' is a colloquial term used to describe individuals who have gained opportunities or success in their careers primarily due to familial connections or the influence of their well-known or wealthy parents, rather than solely through their own talent, skills, or efforts.
The term 'nepo' is short for 'nepotism', which refers to favouritism granted to relatives or close friends, often in a professional context.
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Industries Affected:
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The concept of nepo babies is often debated, with some arguing that it undermines the notion of meritocracy.
Meanwhile, others believe that it is natural for families to support and help each other succeed.
Spencer then added to the outlet in his recent chat how he is super "dialled" into his relationship with Vogue.
"Vogue is incredibly busy and so am I but we often make time to prioritise each other," he said.
"I feel very fortunate to have a wife like her.
"I admire her and love her in equal measure.
"There is a lot of respect in the marriage and the relationship which helps."
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VALDOSTA – Toys for Tots Cruise for Kids and Local Scene Cruise Nights will hold a toy drive with food trucks, prizes, and more.
Local Scene Cruise Nights Ltd. and Toys for Tots to host Cruise for Kids toy drive on Saturday, December 14, 2024 with assembly starting at 11am at Lake Park Plaza and departing at 12pm sharp with a Georgia State Patrol escort. Participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy worth $10 or a $10 donation. All motors are welcome!
Raffles and prizes will happen at the end of the cruise with vendors and food trucks on site.
For more information: Text 229-999-6453