Tech Trends

Survey: Parents Struggle with 'Tech Shaming' and Need Roadmap to Navigate Usage

• By Richard Chang
• 10/20/16

"Dot" is a new series on Sprout that aims to teach digital citizenship and responsible tech usage for kids. Image courtesy of Sprout.

A new survey reveals that an overwhelming majority of parents (92 percent) say they need a roadmap to help navigate tech usage on a day-to-day basis.

The survey, released by kids’ cable TV network Sprout, also finds that there’s a common feeling of “tech shaming” among parents, with 59 percent saying they feel judged by other parents over their kids’ screen time.

The “Sprout Talks Tech” survey was conducted in July by Research Now, a digital data collection company headquartered in Texas. Research Now asked a nationally representative sample of 700 families with children 2-6 years old to share how they integrate tech into their families’ lives.

The survey also found the following:

• Parents said technology increases their child’s curiosity about the environment around them (71 percent) and helps them explore the world by introducing them to new cultures (66 percent).
• 62 percent said they feel tech enhances their child’s development and learning.
• 92 percent said they need information on how to navigate their kids’ relationship with tech.
• 62 percent said they’ve argued with their kids about screen time.

The survey was released in conjunction with the premiere of a new original series, “Dot,” based on the children’s book by author Randi Zuckerberg. “Dot” premieres at 11 a.m. ET Oct. 22 on Sprout. It’s an animated series that aims to help teach digital citizenship and responsible tech usage. The show’s title character is an inquisitive, exuberant, tech-savvy 8-year-old who embarks on adventures to satisfy her imagination and curiosity.

“I created Dot to be a relatable character that helps educate parents and kids about the importance of balance when it comes to tech, and to empower girls to be vocal and involved in technology,” Zuckerberg, who serves as executive producer of the series, said in a statement.

Randi Zuckerberg, a sister of Mark Zuckerberg, CEO and co-founder of Facebook, is former director of market development and spokeswoman for the popular social media site. She is founder and CEO of Zuckerberg Media.

Also in conjunction with the premiere of the series, Sprout is launching “The Do’s & Dots” YouTube series to teach kids best tech practices; and SproutTalksTech.com, which invites parents to take the survey to see how they compare and share how they are navigating the new tech world.

Sprout’s Playground app will also feature custom “Dot” digital content, including clips and tech resources for families.

To learn more about “Dot,” visit sproutonline.com.