40% of 2-year-olds now have their own tablet—here’s what that means for parents

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.

How are young kids using screens today?

The 2025 Common Sense Media Report highlights just how integral screens have become in young children’s daily lives.

• 40% of 2-year-olds own a tablet
• 58% of 4-year-olds have their own tablet
• Nearly 1 in 4 kids (23%) have a cellphone by age 8
• Kids ages 5-8 now spend more than 3.5 hours per day on screens

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

What are they doing on screens?

The way kids engage with screens has also evolved. According to the report:

• Watching TV and videos remains the most common activity—kids under 8 average 1.5 hours of screen time per day on videos.
• Short-form videos (like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Reels) are on the rise—48% of kids 0-8 have watched them, with an average of 14 minutes per day spent on short clips.
• Gaming time has jumped 65% since 2020—Kids now spend 38 minutes per day gaming, and for those ages 5-8, it jumps to over an hour daily.
• AI is making inroads—29% of parents say their child has used AI for school-related learning, and 26% say it’s helping them build critical thinking skills.
• Screens are often used for emotional regulation—17% of parents report that their child sometimes or often uses a mobile device to calm down when feeling angry, sad, or upset.
• Children from lower-income households (earning less than $50,000 per year) spend nearly twice as much time on screens—3 hours and 48 minutes daily, compared to just 1 hour and 52 minutes for kids in higher-income families.

Related: Dr. Becky’s tips for setting screen time boundaries during the holidays are a lifesaver

Why screens are so ubiquitous for parents

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:

• Financial strain: Rising costs of housing, food, and childcare mean many families are working more hours just to make ends meet.
• Lack of support from extended family: More families are raising kids far from relatives who might have helped in the past.
• No paid maternity leave: The U.S. remains one of the only wealthy nations without federally mandated paid leave, leaving parents scrambling to care for newborns while working.
• Unaffordable childcare: Daycare costs are skyrocketing, and many families simply don’t have the financial flexibility to afford consistent childcare.

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

How to adjust screen time for your family’s well-being

If you’re feeling like screen time has taken over, here are some small, empowering shifts to help bring it back under control:

• Check in on your current habits: Before making drastic changes, take note of how screens are actually being used in your home. Are they mostly for learning? Entertainment? Distraction? Understanding the why helps guide the how.
• Set device-free zones: Try keeping mealtimes, bedrooms, and family outings screen-free as much as possible.
• Be realistic with limits: If zero screens isn’t an option, find a rhythm that works for your family. Some parents swear by no screens on school days, while others set clear weekend limits.
• Use tech to your advantage: Many devices now have built-in parental controls. Set up app limits, schedule downtime, or use guided access modes to keep things in check.
• When in doubt, swap screen time for play time: Kids naturally gravitate toward screens when they’re bored. Try having go-to alternatives ready, like art supplies, puzzles, or outdoor activities.

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