Digital parenting challenges as parents struggle with screen time

A study by the Körber-Stiftung, titled ‘Eltern im Fokus 2026’, highlights a growing dilemma in digital parenting. While 80 percent of families surveyed have established media usage rules, such as banning phones during meals, many parents struggle with their own self-regulation. Approximately 37 percent of parents reported difficulty managing their own screen time, and 63 percent viewed their children’s ability to self-limit digital use as poor.

In contrast to general trends, tech leaders in Silicon Valley often adopt strict limits for their families. For example, Peter Thiel reportedly limited his children’s screen time to 1.5 hours per week during their early childhood, and Bill Gates did not provide his children with mobile phones until they were 14 years old.