logo
Most parents fear they're losing ‘precious time' while fighting with kids about digital ‘addiction': new study

Most parents fear they're losing ‘precious time' while fighting with kids about digital ‘addiction': new study

Yahoo15-05-2025

Kids can't 'Just Say No' to the high of WiFi.
The bewitching buzz of being online — be it via an iPad, cellphone or computer — is like a narcotic to Gen Alpha kiddos.
Now, parents fear their perennially online offspring are devolved into digital drug addicts due to the prevalence of modern technology, per a nightmarish new report.
'Parents spend approximately 96 hours fighting with their kids over screen time every year,' researchers for AngelQ, a kid-friendly internet browser, wrote in the May 2025 study, estimating that families face over 500 tech-related rows — more than one per day — annually.
'Two-thirds (67%) of parents fear they're losing precious moments with their children due to screen addiction,' the analysts alerted.
More frightening, the findings revealed that 41% of moms and dads are afraid they're 'losing their little ones' childhood to technology completely.'
It's a new age panic plaguing parents of all ages.
Investigators surveyed 2,000 adults — from the 20-somethings of Gen Z to Baby Boomers age 61 and up — with kids in kindergarten through fifth grade (typically kids ranging in age from 5 to 12).
Across the generations, 61% of parents confessed to 'worrying' that too much screen time is replacing important elements of childhood development, such as building strong social skills and empathy.
Participants reported the concerning consequences of excessive screen time, including irritability (27%), mood swings (24%), and full-on tantrums (22%).
Decreased attention spans with offline activities, such as homework (19%), high levels of anxiety (14%), and trouble sleeping (14%) were, too, high on their list of tech-induced issues.
Still, approximately six in ten (60%) parents permit their kids to surf the internet sans supervision, according to the data.
Without proper guidance, youngsters may fall prey to virtual predators, inappropriate content, cyber bullying, social media influence and mental health damage.
'Technology is currently aligned against families instead of allied with them,' Tim Estes, CEO and Co-Founder of AngelQ, said in a statement. 'Our kids are losing years of their childhood – precious time they'll never get back – to exploitive products that addict them.'
'Technology should educate and empower, not distract and divide families,' he added. 'That starts with giving parents easier tools to manage screen time without the daily struggle.'
But parents can't be pushovers.
The poll found that 65% of mothers and fathers give in to their whining children when they refuse to put down a digital device.
A staggering 28% of Gen Z parents, more than any other demographic, said they gave in 'often.'
'These conflicts are most likely to occur leading up to dinner (64%), disrupting important family bonding time,' warned the insiders.
However, even when mom and dad insist, 39% of the rugrats sneakily access the phones, tablets and laptops behind their backs, the study showed.
The crafty crumb-snatchers will also secretly change passwords or controls on their devices, create new user accounts on social platforms and use Siri or voice commands to open apps.
'These findings highlight the delicate balancing act parents face, wanting to protect childhood while also preparing kids for a digital world,' said Estes. 'We recognize that screen time isn't inherently bad, but today most of the options are.'
'We want to reimagine how kids use tech to create healthy habits,' he continued, adding that the internet and digital devices should be tools for, 'enhancing childhood, not taking away from it.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How to tell if your iPad has been hacked
How to tell if your iPad has been hacked

Fox News

timean hour ago

  • Fox News

How to tell if your iPad has been hacked

Apple's iPad has a strong reputation for security. Thanks to the system architecture of iOS, a non-jailbroken iPad isn't susceptible to typical viruses or malware infections. However, that doesn't mean it's completely safe from every threat. As with any computer, there are still vulnerabilities that determined hackers can exploit. iPads are generally secure devices, but it's still possible for hackers to gain access, so knowing the warning signs of a hacked iPad can help you act quickly to protect your data. Moreover, an iPad often contains a lot of personal information about you and your family, so if it's ever hacked, it can be quite alarming. Be on the lookout for these signs that could indicate your iPad's security has been compromised: If your iPad suddenly feels more like a sluggish turtle than the speedy device it used to be, that's a warning sign. When a device is hacked, malicious software might be running in the background, using up memory and processing power. This can make apps slow to open, cause lagging or freezing and even lead to more frequent crashes. You might also notice the battery draining much faster than usual along with the slowdown, since unwanted software can chew through battery life while it secretly runs in the background. A sudden flood of pop-up ads or strange messages on your iPad screen is a big red flag. Under normal circumstances, iPads should not bombard you with random pop-ups, especially outside of safe apps or websites. If you start seeing lots of unsolicited ads or "Your iPad is hacked!" alerts popping up, it could mean an adware program or scam has found its way onto the device. These pop-ups might try to trick you or your kids into clicking links or downloading something harmful, so they're not just annoying, they're dangerous signs that something is wrong. Keep an eye on how the iPad is using the internet. An unusual spike in data usage or constant network activity (even when no one is actively using the iPad) might indicate the device is secretly sending or receiving information without your permission. For example, if your data plan suddenly maxes out or you notice the Wi-Fi icon flickering with activity when the iPad is idle, it could be a sign that a hacker's software is communicating in the background. Such suspicious network activity is concerning because it suggests someone else might be remotely accessing the iPad or siphoning off personal data. One clear warning sign is finding changes to your Apple account that you didn't make. If your Apple ID password was changed without your knowledge or you receive security alerts about logins you never did, be wary; a hacker may have gained access to your account. You might also discover that account details or settings (like your recovery email or trusted phone number) have been altered. Another clue is seeing unfamiliar charges or App Store purchases on your Apple ID bill, since unauthorized purchases or subscriptions often mean that someone has compromised your account and is using it maliciously. If you suspect your iPad has been hacked, taking immediate action can secure your device and give you peace of mind. Here are a few basic steps to help you respond: 1) Reset your passwords: Change your Apple ID password right away (and any other important account passwords used on the iPad) to lock out any intruders. Using a strong password (think long, random and unique to each account) greatly reduces that risk. A password manager can help you generate and store complex passwords so you don't have to remember them all yourself. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here. 2) Remove unfamiliar apps: Check the iPad for any apps you or your child didn't install. If you find an unknown app or a suspicious profile, delete it immediately. This helps eliminate any malicious programs the hacker may have added. To do this, open Settings, tap General > iPad Storage, scroll to find the unfamiliar app, tap it, then tap Delete App and confirm. 3) Update iOS: Make sure the iPad is running the latest version of iPadOS. Apple frequently releases security updates to fix vulnerabilities, so updating the software can shut down any loopholes the hacker might have used. Turning on automatic updates is a good idea to stay protected going forward. 4) Enable two-factor authentication: If you haven't already, turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID account. This feature adds an extra verification step (like a code sent to your phone) whenever someone tries to sign in, which can stop hackers in their tracks even if they somehow know your password. It's an excellent safeguard to prevent unauthorized access. 5) Have strong antivirus protection on all devices: Malware, spyware and viruses can run quietly in the background or compromise enough data before it is discovered. While not being hacked in the first place is the best position to be in, it is worse to give access to your iPad's data to a hacker for a prolonged period of time. That's why having strong antivirus software running consistently in the background of your device is a great way to prevent compromises from happening in the first place. Best antivirus security software and apps to protect you. It's important to remember that many of these symptoms can have innocent explanations, so don't panic at the first sign of trouble. For example, a new iOS update or a heavy app can temporarily slow down your iPad's performance, so one isolated issue doesn't always mean you've been hacked. However, if you notice multiple warning signs at the same time or anything that just doesn't feel right, it's best to act quickly and err on the side of caution. Do you think Apple should do more to help users spot and respond to potential hacks? Let us know your experience or questions by writing us at Your story could help someone else stay safe. For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.

Apple unveils iOS 26 and a new ‘liquid glass' design
Apple unveils iOS 26 and a new ‘liquid glass' design

Chicago Tribune

time2 hours ago

  • Chicago Tribune

Apple unveils iOS 26 and a new ‘liquid glass' design

CUPERTINO, Calif. — After stumbling out of the starting gate in Big Tech's pivotal race to capitalize on artificial intelligence, Apple tried to regain its footing Monday during an annual developers conference that focused mostly on incremental advances and cosmetic changes in its technology. The presummer rite, which attracted thousands of developers from nearly 60 countries to Apple's Silicon Valley headquarters, was subdued compared with the feverish anticipation that surrounded the event in the last two years. Apple highlighted plans for more AI tools designed to simplify people's lives and make its products even more intuitive. It also provided an early glimpse at the biggest redesign of its iPhone software in a decade. In doing so, Apple executives refrained from issuing bold promises of breakthroughs that punctuated recent conferences, prompting CFRA analyst Angelo Zino to deride the event as a 'dud' in a research note. In 2023, Apple unveiled a mixed-reality headset that has been little more than a niche product, and last year WWDC trumpeted its first major foray into the AI craze with an array of new features highlighted by the promise of a smarter and more versatile version of its virtual assistant, Siri — a goal that has yet to be realized. 'This work needed more time to reach our high-quality bar,' Craig Federighi, Apple's top software executive, said Monday at the outset of the conference. The company didn't provide a precise timetable for when Siri's AI upgrade will be finished but indicated it won't happen until next year at the earliest. 'The silence surrounding Siri was deafening,' said Forrester Research analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee said. 'No amount of text corrections or cute emojis can fill the yawning void of an intuitive, interactive AI experience that we know Siri will be capable of when ready. We just don't know when that will happen. The end of the Siri runway is coming up fast, and Apple needs to lift off.' The showcase unfolded amid nagging questions about whether Apple has lost some of the mystique and innovative drive that has made it a tech trendsetter during its nearly 50-year history. Instead of making a big splash as it did with the Vision Pro headset and its AI suite, Apple took a mostly low-key approach that emphasized its effort to spruce up the look of its software with a new design called 'Liquid Glass' while also unveiling a new hub for its video games and new features like a 'Workout Buddy' to help manage physical fitness. Apple executives promised to make its software more compatible with the increasingly sophisticated computer chips that have been powering its products while also making it easier to toggle between the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. 'Our product experience has become even more seamless and enjoyable,' Apple CEO Tim Cook told the crowd as the 90-minute showcase wrapped up. IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo said Apple seemed to be largely using Monday's conference to demonstrate the company still has a blueprint for success in AI, even if it's going to take longer to realize the vision that was presented a year ago. 'This year's event was not about disruptive innovation, but rather careful calibration, platform refinement and developer enablement —positioning itself for future moves rather than unveiling game-changing technologies,' Jeronimo said. Besides redesigning its software. Apple will switch to a method that automakers have used to telegraph their latest car models by linking them to the year after they first arrive at dealerships. That means the next version of the iPhone operating system due out this autumn will be known as iOS 26 instead of iOS 19 — as it would be under the previous naming approach that has been used since the device's 2007 debut. The iOS 26 upgrade is expected to be released in September around the same time Apple traditionally rolls out the next iPhone models. Apple opened the proceedings with a short video clip featuring Federighi speeding around a track in a Formula 1 race car. Although it was meant to promote the June 27 release of the Apple film, 'F1' starring Brad Pitt, the segment could also be viewed as an unintentional analogy to the company's attempt to catch up to the rest of the pack in AI technology. While some of the new AI tricks compatible with the latest iPhones began rolling out late last year as part of free software updates, the delays in a souped-up Siri became so glaring that the chastened company stopped promoting it in its marketing campaigns earlier this year. While Apple has been struggling to make AI that meets its standards, the gap separating it from other tech powerhouses is widening. Google keeps packing more AI into its Pixel smartphone lineup while introducing more of the technology into its search engine to dramatically change the way it works. Samsung, Apple's biggest smartphone rival, is also leaning heavily into AI. Meanwhile, ChatGPT recently struck a deal that will bring former Apple design guru Jony Ive into the fold to work on a new device expected to compete against the iPhone. Besides grappling with innovation challenges, Apple also faces regulatory threats that could siphon away billions of dollars in revenue that help finance its research and development. A federal judge is currently weighing whether proposed countermeasures to Google's illegal monopoly in search should include a ban on long-running deals worth $20 billion annually to Apple while another federal judge recently banned the company from collecting commissions on in-app transactions processed outside its once-exclusive payment system. On top of all that, Apple has been caught in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump's trade war with China, a key manufacturing hub for the Cupertino, California, company. Cook successfully persuaded Trump to exempt the iPhone from tariffs during the president's first administration, but he has had less success during Trump's second term, which seems more determined to prod Apple to make its products in the U.S. The multidimensional gauntlet facing Apple is spooking investors, causing the company's stock price to plunge by 20% so far this year — a decline that has erased about $750 billion in shareholder wealth. After beginning the year as the most valuable company in the world, Apple now ranks third behind longtime rival Microsoft, another AI leader, and AI chipmaker Nvidia. Apple's shares closed down by more than 1% on Monday — an early indication the company's latest announcements didn't inspire investors.

MTCH Q1 Earnings Call: Organizational Overhaul and Product Shifts Take Center Stage
MTCH Q1 Earnings Call: Organizational Overhaul and Product Shifts Take Center Stage

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

MTCH Q1 Earnings Call: Organizational Overhaul and Product Shifts Take Center Stage

Dating app company Match (NASDAQ:MTCH) met Wall Street's revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, but sales fell by 3.3% year on year to $831.2 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.68 per share was 3.7% above analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy MTCH? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $831.2 million vs analyst estimates of $827.6 million (3.3% year-on-year decline, in line) Adjusted EPS: $0.68 vs analyst estimates of $0.66 (3.7% beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $275.2 million vs analyst estimates of $264.1 million (33.1% margin, 4.2% beat) Operating Margin: 20.8%, in line with the same quarter last year Payers: 14.2 million, down 732,000 year on year Market Capitalization: $7.81 billion New CEO Spencer Rascoff opened Match Group's Q1 call by emphasizing major organizational changes, including a shift toward a unified, product-led structure and a 13% workforce reduction. Management attributed recent performance to a combination of cost-cutting and early signs of product traction at core brands such as Tinder and Hinge. Rascoff highlighted that Tinder is focusing on user experience improvements and product updates aligned with Gen Z's preferences, while Hinge continues to benefit from global expansion and AI-powered matchmaking. "By leveraging our scale and accelerating innovation, we're seeing the beginnings of improved engagement," Rascoff said. The quarter also saw increased indirect revenue from advertising, particularly around key holidays. Looking ahead, management indicated the company's forward strategy will hinge on continued product innovation, disciplined investment, and international expansion. Rascoff described plans to further develop AI-driven features and roll out new experiences, such as Tinder's Double Date and the AI-powered daily match, to more markets. CFO Steven Bailey noted that restructuring efforts are expected to yield over $100 million in annualized savings, helping to fund growth initiatives while maintaining margin targets. However, the team signaled caution about potential macroeconomic pressures, especially among younger users. As Rascoff stated, 'We'll continue to prioritize long-term user outcomes over short-term metrics as we execute our turnaround.' Management traced the latest quarter's performance to a mix of organizational restructuring, investment in AI-powered features, and targeted cost containment, alongside evolving platform strategies. Organization-wide restructuring: Match Group implemented a 13% reduction in workforce and consolidated key functions to operate as a single, product-focused entity. Rascoff described these actions as necessary to streamline decision-making, reduce redundant management layers, and accelerate product delivery cycles. Tinder product evolution: Leadership highlighted new features such as Double Date, designed to boost engagement with Gen Z users. The company is also piloting AI-driven daily match recommendations in New Zealand, aiming to fundamentally shift user perception and address declining monthly active users. Early metrics point to increased engagement and new registrations in targeted markets. Hinge's momentum and expansion: Hinge continued to gain traction, with management citing its launch of a new AI-powered recommendation algorithm and strong user growth in both English-speaking and European countries. The brand plans additional market entries in Brazil and Mexico later this year, reinforcing its leadership in the 'intentioned dating' segment. Advertising revenue spike: The quarter saw record indirect revenue from advertising, especially around Valentine's Day. However, management cautioned this was not expected to repeat in future quarters, maintaining a flat full-year outlook for advertising. Emphasis on trust and safety: Match Group invested in new user verification and safety features, including the integration of World ID and mandatory liveness checks. These initiatives reportedly reduced bad actor reports by over 15% in test markets, a step management views as essential to rebuilding user trust and category reputation. Management expects future performance to depend on the pace of product innovation, international expansion, and the ability to capture operating efficiencies amid uncertain consumer trends. AI-driven product innovation: Match Group is prioritizing the rollout of AI-powered features—such as Tinder's daily match and Hinge's recommendation engine—to improve user experience and differentiate its platforms. Management believes these efforts will be fundamental to reversing declines in user growth and engagement. International market expansion: The company is investing savings from restructuring into global launches for key brands, including Hinge's entry into Latin America and The League's expansion into the Middle East and India. Management views these moves as important levers for long-term growth and local network effects. Cost efficiencies and macro headwinds: Leadership plans to maintain margin discipline by further optimizing operating expenses and leveraging its scale in marketing and technology. However, they acknowledged risks from macroeconomic pressures, particularly affecting a la carte spending among younger users, and signaled readiness to adjust pricing or merchandising if needed. In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will monitor (1) the pace and user adoption of newly launched AI features on Tinder and Hinge, (2) the effectiveness of restructuring in delivering margin improvements and operational agility, and (3) the success of international market entries for core brands. Additional focus will be placed on signs of stabilization in Tinder's monthly active users and the impact of trust and safety investments on user sentiment. Match Group currently trades at a forward EV/EBITDA ratio of 6.8×. Should you double down or take your chips? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth. While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we're leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Sign in to access your portfolio

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store