The Parent Coaching Institute (PCI) has released the results of a multi-national survey examining screen time, smartphone use, and social media habits among parents and teens. Conducted by PCI founder Gloria DeGaetano and PCI Certified Parent Coach Christina Gika, the survey gathered responses from participants in the United States, Greece, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and several Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt, Bahrain, and Jordan. The majority of parent and teen respondents (ages 11-18) were not related to each other, and all were selected randomly.
The survey consisted of 24 questions, combining multiple-choice and open-ended formats. Its primary goal was to assess whether parents and teens share similar perspectives on screen use and, if not, to identify the underlying reasons and potential solutions. DeGaetano and Gika hypothesized that understanding the distinct viewpoints of both parties could lead to more effective family digital habits and strategies that empower young people.
According to DeGaetano, the results were consistent with four decades of research. While technology boundaries are essential, how they are developed, enforced, and sustained by parents, along with how teens perceive parental intent, significantly influence teens' relationship with technology. Across all data, communication style, parental modeling, perceptions of trust, and collaborative boundary-setting emerged as key factors shaping teens' experiences and usage patterns. The findings indicate that thoughtful parental guidance fosters teens' internal control over their screen use.
Gika emphasized that the survey moves the conversation beyond screen time toward the quality of the parent-teen relationship. The results highlight the importance of trust, communication, and connection in supporting healthy digital habits. For Gika, the survey reinforces that a strong parent-teen bond remains one of the most powerful influences in a teen's life.
DeGaetano added that when families prioritize connection over control, technology ceases to be a source of friction and becomes a tool for growth. She described the parent-teen bond as the only truly un-hackable digital safety feature. A copy of the white paper detailing the findings is available for parents and professionals, including counselors, child care directors, and parent educators.
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 are now being accepted for the 2026 Fall Term, with a deadline of September 1. For more information, visit www.ThePCI.org.
