Parents are experiencing heightened anxiety, dubbed "techxiety," over their children's increasing engagement with technology, according to a recent survey. This modern parenting stress stems from balancing the benefits of digital connectivity with concerns about smartphones, social media, screen addiction, and online safety.

The survey of 2,000 parents of school-aged children found that the average parent loses the equivalent of 48 nights of sleep annually worrying about their child, with technological concerns being the primary driver. These worries contribute to an average of seven hours of lost sleep per week, with screen time habits (24%), social media's impact on self-esteem (20%), and gaming or app addiction (18%) topping the list of nighttime concerns.

Despite these reservations, a strong majority of parents, nine in 10, still wish for their child to have access to a cell phone at school. For parents whose children already own smartphones, the anxiety intensifies. These parents report losing nearly two additional hours of sleep weekly and are more likely to worry about their child's mental health, social media's effect on self-esteem, and feeling disconnected from their child's life.

The transition to a smartphone is a significant milestone for many families, often viewed with mixed emotions. While 62% see it as a step toward independence, 38% perceive it as a "loss of innocence." The survey indicated that 73% of parents surveyed reported their child already possesses a smartphone, with 47% of parents of five-year-olds having provided one.

School Phone Policies and Safety Concerns

The tension between safety, distraction, and well-being becomes particularly evident regarding phone policies in schools. Although over 30 states have implemented phone restrictions in schools, parents whose children attend schools with phone bans reported feeling anxious about not being able to contact them an average of three times daily. Of the nine in 10 parents who want their child to have phone access at school, 60% believe this access should be limited to emergencies.

Parents acknowledge the dual nature of smartphones in the classroom. While 40% believe phones help students stay connected with parents during emergencies, 30% see them as disruptive to learning, and 28% feel they contribute to student conflict. Nevertheless, the ability to reach a child in an emergency often outweighs other concerns.

Seeking Simpler Solutions

Over three-quarters of surveyed parents (77%) expressed a preference for a device that allows them to stay connected with their child while effectively limiting distractions. This sentiment suggests a demand for solutions beyond traditional smartphones. According to Russell York, Cosmo's Founder and CEO, parents are not seeking more complex features or parental controls but rather a different approach entirely.

"Parents aren’t asking for more features or complicated parental controls on smartphones — they’re asking for something entirely different," York stated. "They don’t want to choose between keeping their children safe and protecting their childhood. Families are telling us they want thoughtful solutions that support both independence and peace of mind."

The survey was conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Cosmo between May 22 and May 29, 2026.