Study reveals what kids really want... it's not what you think

With so many kids growing up in the age of smart devices, it's easy to assume that they're doing it by choice.

But is this the case?

A new poll in America has revealed some interesting results on what kids really want.

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But have we ever asked our kids if they're on their phones by choice or by force?

A new Harris Poll featured in The Atlantic (August 4, 2025) revealed a truth many of us already suspect: 

Kids deeply crave unsupervised, in-person fun, not more screen time.

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Here’s what the study revealed, according to the Atlantic and Reason:

• The stats: Most children (aged 8-12) are tethered to devices not by choice but by default. They’re online because it’s often the only place they’re allowed to hang out freely.
• The stats: 75% of 9–12-year-olds regularly play online games, with fewer than half of 8-9-year-olds having ever walked to a grocery aisle without adult supervision. More than 25% of them aren’t even allowed to play in their own front yard unsupervised.
• The reason: Parents often overestimate risks, e.g., many believe kids will get abducted or hurt playing alone, despite real-world dangers being extremely rare, although this is a reality in South Africa.
• The result: Anxiety, depression, and stifled social skills are replacing the carefree childhood of yesteryear 
• The fix: Give kids space to explore, problem-solve, and play without adults micromanaging every move 

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READ: Pretoria parents urged to beware of increase in child kidnappings

Instead of adding more screens to our household; let's take a second to reflect on some of our childhoods (if you were born before the 2000s), open the front door, step back, and invite freedom, friendship, and fresh air back into childhood.

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New study shows that children are longing for freedom to play outdoors:

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