The Parent Coaching Institute (PCI) has released the results of a multi-national survey examining parent and teen perspectives on screen time, smartphone use, and social media. Conducted by PCI founder Gloria DeGaetano and PCI Certified Parent Coach Christina Gika, the study surveyed parents and teens aged 11-18 across the United States, Greece, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and several Middle Eastern countries including Egypt, Bahrain, and Jordan. Most participants were not related, and all were selected randomly. Each survey contained 24 questions, with a mix of multiple-choice and open-ended responses.
The project aimed to assess whether parents and teens share similar views on screen use and, if not, to understand the reasons and potential solutions. DeGaetano and Gika hypothesized that understanding both perspectives could lead to more effective family digital habits and strategies to empower young people. According to DeGaetano, “The results were interesting, but not too surprising. They mirrored what we know from over four decades of research. While tech boundaries are absolutely necessary, how they are developed, enforced and sustained by the parents, along with how the teens perceive parental intent, become crucial factors in determining teens’ relationship with technology.”
The findings indicate that communication style, parental modeling, perceptions of trust, and collaborative boundary-setting significantly influence how teens experience and use technology. DeGaetano noted, “Across the data, communication style, parental modeling, perceptions of trust, and collaborative boundary-setting appeared to influence how teens experienced and used technology. Our findings indicate that thoughtful parental guidance leads to teens’ internal control of their screen use.” Gika added, “What I value most about the findings is that they move the conversation beyond screen time and toward relationship. Our results highlight the importance of trust, communication, and connection in supporting healthy digital habits. For me, it reinforces that a strong parent-teen relationship remains one of the most powerful influences in a teen’s life.”
The white paper containing the full results is available for parents and professionals working with families, such as counselors, child care directors, and parent educators. DeGaetano emphasized, “When families prioritize connection over control, technology stops being a source of friction and starts being a tool for growth. In the end, the parent-teen bond remains the only truly un-hackable digital safety feature.” The study’s release comes as PCI, recognized as an innovative leader in family support, continues to offer its year-long, online Parent Coach Certification program in affiliation with Southern New Hampshire University. Applications for the 2026 Fall Term, beginning mid-September, are being accepted until September 1. More information is available at www.ThePCI.org.
