A substantial percentage of parents and teenagers report that teens spend more of their free time watching television and using computers than they do interacting with their parents. Parents underestimate the time their teens spend in front of the television. Parents often say that they frequently monitor their teen's time in front of the TV and on the Internet, but their children don't agree. Parents are even more na ve when it comes to Internet exposure. Many parents feel the time they spend with their teens is inadequate.
Fathers have a bigger disconnect with their teenagers than mothers.
The influence of friends is a recurring theme. The impact peers have on forming values increases steadily as teens get older. Likewise, teens become more dependent on their friend's advice as they get older. When families do spend time together, the communication is not getting through. The same disconnect between parental and teenage perception can be seen on important issues like sex, dating, drugs and alcohol, and future plans.