We recently came across a video presentation where a speaker shared the following statistics and statements with parents and caregivers. While these statements contained factual elements, they were presented without the necessary context, creating an alarming and often misleading narrative. Let’s address these claims to help our parents and caregivers that follow us, make informed decisions based on a balanced perspective.
Statement #1: “The average number of hours that teens spend online watching a screen is 8.5 hours a day just for entertainment.”
This statistic originates from a study by Common Sense Media conducted in the United States during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. (1) While accurate for that period, it’s critical to note the extraordinary circumstances under which this data was collected. During the pandemic, youth were largely confined to their homes, with screens often being their primary means of entertainment and social connection.
Before the pandemic, studies showed that teens spent an average of 3-4 hours daily on screens for entertainment. (2) As life has returned to normal, it’s reasonable to expect future research to reveal a decrease in screen time, aligning more closely with pre-pandemic levels. Without this context, the statistic, though true, can be misleading.
Statement #2: “3.5 hours online will double the risks of anxiety and depression in our kids.”
This claim stems from a 2019 study referenced by the U.S. Surgeon General. (3) The presenter then linked this statistic to the previously mentioned 8.5-hour figure, suggesting that technology use is a primary driver of a youth mental health crisis. While this association might seem compelling, it ignores other critical research findings.
For example, a 2021 study involving 74,472 adolescents found that “daily social media use is not a strong or consistent risk factor for depressive symptoms.” (4) This is consistent with much of the evidence-based, peer-reviewed research, which we’ve detailed in our article “Does Technology + Social Media = Mental Health Issues for All Youth? We Need to Reframe the Question!” (5)
The broader body of research suggests that the relationship between screen time and mental health is far more nuanced. Factors such as the quality of online interactions, individual predispositions, and offline support systems play significant roles in determining how digital engagement impacts mental health. Simplistic correlations fail to capture this complexity.
Statement #3: “The FBI says there are over 500,000 online predators online daily.”
This figure is often quoted in presentations by others, but has fluctuated over time. At one point, the FBI estimated the number at 750,000 (6); later, it was revised to 500,000. (7) However, there is NO solid research underpinning these numbers, NONE, which is why reputable organizations like the Canadian Centre for Child Protection and the U.S. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children refrain from citing the FBI numbers. (8)
While the precise number of online predators remains unclear, the risks of online predation and exploitation are undeniably real and substantial. In 2024 the Internet Watch Foundation found “So far this year, the new data can show that of the overall 563,590 victims documented, most of the children seen were between the ages of 7 and 10 (201,787). Girls made up the majority of the victims (430,463). (9)
This highlights the importance of proactive digital literacy and safety education and parental oversight. Unfortunately, presenting the figures quoted by the FBI without context often serves more to shock than to inform. It’s crucial that we shift the focus from fear-based narratives to actionable prevention strategies that empower both parents and children.
The title of this article, “The Truth But Not the Whole Truth,” reflects the way these statistics were used in the presentation we reviewed. While the numbers cited were sometimes accurate, they were taken out of context to create a narrative of shock and awe. This approach may capture attention, but it also risks distorting reality and fostering unnecessary fear.
Parents and caregivers deserve a balanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with raising children in today’s onlife world. Misrepresented statistics do little to advance meaningful conversations about online safety and mental health, but it does push political agendas, sell books and online youth safety products.
Instead, let’s focus on:
- Understanding when and how statistics were gathered is critical to interpreting their relevance – contextualize data!
- Recognizing that technology’s impact on youth varies widely depending on individual and environmental factors – we need to have more nuanced discussions on the topics of technology as it relates to youth mental health.
- Equipping families with practical digital literacy and internet safety tools and strategies to navigate the digital landscape responsibly that is evidence based.
When it comes to digital literacy and internet safety, statistics can be a powerful tool to inform and guide decision-making, but only when presented with proper context. Misleading narratives, even when based on factual data, can undermine a parent’s or caregiver’s confidence and provoke unwarranted fear.
As parents and caregivers, it’s vital to approach the onlife world with a balanced perspective. Rather than succumbing to alarmist rhetoric, parents and caregivers should seek out nuanced discussions and evidence-based insights that prioritize understanding over fear. By contextualizing data, considering individual circumstances, and focusing on empowering education, families can create environments that promote both safety and opportunity in the digital age.
Ultimately, the goal is not to fear technology but to navigate it thoughtfully and responsibly, because raising digitally literate and resilient children requires clarity, not confusion. Let’s work together to foster informed, proactive, and confident approaches to online safety that is evidence based.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
References:
2/ https://news.gallup.com/poll/512576/teens-spend-average-hours-social-media-per-day.aspx
3/ https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2749480
4/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1054139X20304031
6/ https://www.fbi.gov/video-repository/newss-henry_051611/view
