A recent Harris Poll asked approximately 500 children between the ages of 8 and 12 what it would take to get them off their phones — and the answers might surprise you.
When asked by researchers, “How would you rather spend time with friends?”, 45% of respondents said they would prefer to get together to play in person — no screens, no supervision, just old-fashioned fun. This suggests that even in a world filled with apps, social media, and endless digital entertainment, many kids still crave face-to-face connection and creative play.
According to WTOP News, which covered the study in their article “What kids say it would take to get them off their phones,” the research highlights a growing awareness among children about their own screen time. It also points to the importance of giving kids more opportunities for unstructured, in-person social time — something they clearly value, even if screens often get in the way.