Parental burnout, mental load & screen time: 15 statistics for 2026
14 June 2026 · 5 min
Behind every family choice — one parent at home, a slower pace, firmer screen rules — there’s a reality we rarely measure well. Here are 15 sourced statistics on parental burnout, the mental load, and screen time. Every figure links to its source. Free to cite — a link back is appreciated.
Compiled by the De Bollivier family.
Parental burnout is widespread
- 92% of working parents report burnout (Maven Clinic).
- 81% wish their employer would do more about parental burnout (Maven Clinic).
- The share of mothers reporting “excellent” mental health fell from 38.4% (2016) to 25.8% (2023) (Ohio State University).
- The pressure to be a “perfect” parent is identified as a driver of burnout — and of mental-health concerns in their children (Ohio State University).
The mental load is lopsided
- Mothers carry on average 71% of the household mental load, versus 29% for fathers (Psychology Today).
- That imbalance feeds stress, burnout and career setbacks (Psychology Today).
Screen time, well past “reasonable”
- Children aged 0-8 average about 2h27 per day of screen time (Lurie Children’s).
- For 5-8 year-olds, it rises to 3h28 per day (Lurie Children’s).
- US 8-18 year-olds rack up roughly 7.5 hours per day on screens (AACAP).
- Parents think ~9 hours/week is ideal — kids actually do ~21 hours, more than double (Mother.ly).
- 48% of kids aged 0-8 have already watched short-form video (TikTok, Shorts) (Lurie Children’s).
- A majority of parents now say they actively manage their kids’ screen time (Pew Research Center, 2025).
What the numbers say
Burnout isn’t an individual weakness — it’s a collective signal. Many families are looking for a different rhythm: more presence, less pressure, clearer screen rules. That’s exactly what we write about here, without the filter.
We chose a different rhythm — and we share it on debollivier.eu. Want to connect with families doing the same? Join us.
Questions fréquentes
Are these statistics free to cite?
Yes. Every figure is sourced and linked to its original study. Journalists and writers are welcome to cite this page (a link back is appreciated).
How many parents are burnt out?
According to a Maven Clinic survey, 92% of working parents report burnout, and 81% wish their employer would do more about it.
How much screen time do kids get?
Children aged 5-8 average about 3h28 of screen time per day; parents consider ~9 hours/week ideal while kids actually clock ~21 hours.
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