Parents spend more than nine hours a day with TVs, computers and other screen devices while also giving themselves high marks as role models for their children's media use, survey results show.
Among the nearly 1800 parents in the US surveyed, daily screen time averaged nine hours and 22 minutes, with the bulk of that - seven hours and 43 minutes - categorised as personal screen media and the other roughly 90 minutes spent on work screens.
The study also found they were enthusiastic about technology's role in their children's lives but wary of the risks it may hold, including loss of sleep and online oversharing.
Researchers from the non-profit Common Sense Media group and Northwestern University's Centre on Media and Human Development conducted the project.
Two-thirds of those surveyed said monitoring their children's devices and social media accounts is more important than allowing them privacy.
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It was the gap between how much adults use media and what that might mean for their offspring that was particularly striking to James P. Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media , which helps families and educators assess and use media and technology effectively. The group's first-ever investigation into parents' tech habits mirrors its ongoing analysis of those of children and teenagers.
"I found the numbers astounding, the sheer volume of technology used by parents," Steyer said. "There's really a big disconnect between their own behaviour and their self-perception, as well as their perception of their kids."
But a survey summary says 78 per cent of all parents believe they are good media and technology role models for their children.
The top concerns among all parents about potential adverse media effects included the fear that children may become technology addicts, that their physical activity will be affected and their face-to-face communication and sleep habits will be hurt.
When it comes to kids' online activities, parents worry about how much time is spent, how much personal information is shared and whether youngsters are being exposed to pornography or violent images or videos.
But 94 per cent of parents believe technology is helpful for children's schoolwork and education, with 89 per cent agreeing it will prepare youngsters for 21st-century jobs.
