Phones Dominate Half Of Parent-Child Conversations, Survey Finds

Parents across America are finding themselves competing with screens during family time, with new research showing that children have their phones in hand during 52% of conversations with their parents.

The survey of 2,000 parents of children under 18 conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Solo Stove found that more than three-quarters (78%) worry about losing real conversations with their kids. But the issue isnt limited to children — respondents said their partners are distracted by phones during 58% of their conversations. While 74% of parents reported having a device-free conversation with their child within the past week, only 64% said the same about their partner.

To reclaim family time, 82% of parents have introduced “no phones” rules during certain activities, including dinner (47%), family movie nights (38%), and outings (28%). Yet digital devices are only part of the problem. Parents said they are also competing with busy schedules (49%), household chores (48%), work (43%), and constant activities (32%). Nearly half (48%) said they even have to make appointments for quality time with loved ones, a date night with a partner (41%), time to exercise (35%), or self-care (34%).

Even then, distractions persist. Parents estimated that 56% of those moments are disrupted by phones, stress, or work. And the constant pull of connectivity is evident in everyday behavior: 57% of respondents said they often check their phone only to find no new notifications.

The survey also revealed a deeper emotional toll. More than one in five parents (22%) admitted it had been a year or more since they last had an in-person, honest conversation about their hopes and dreams. While 40% recalled having a belly laugh in the past week, just 38% had spent time outdoors with family and friends, and 10% couldnt remember the last time they spoke face-to-face with a neighbor.

That sense of disconnection runs deep, with 78% agreeing the world feels more overwhelming than ever before. Among them, 90% said people today are lonelier and more isolated. Seven in 10 (71%) said they wish they could return to a less digitally connected world.

“We heard from parents that many feel the world has grown increasingly disconnected,” said Liz Vanzura, CMO of Solo Stove. “Seventy-eight percent of them shared that they worry about losing real conversations with their children and say life today feels more overwhelming and lonelier than ever. In fact, 10% cant remember the last time they caught up with neighbors. These findings underscore how deeply families are craving authentic connection.”

Parents spend an average of three days a week with friends and family in their backyard space, but 89% said they would gather outside more often if those spaces were more inviting. Nearly four in five (79%) agreed they feel more like themselves when spending time with loved ones outdoors. According to the findings, evenings (45%) and nights (30%) were seen as the best times for meaningful conversations, with their own backyard (37%) and a neighbors (35%) ranked among the top places to foster new friendships.

“As many families are looking for ways to feel more connected, our research shows that their backyards and the outdoors can play an important role,” Vanzura said. “In fact, 89% of people said that if their backyard was more inviting, they would spend more time together outside. Whether with family, friends, or neighbors, stepping outdoors creates a chance to put down the screens, have real conversations, and strengthen the bonds that matter most.”