84% of Indian Gen Z Consider Family Time Very Important: Global Survey

Indian Gen Z places exceptional importance on family relationships, with 84% considering family time very important, the highest proportion among countries surveyed, according to the Family First Global Survey 2026. However, a gap between the desire for family bonding and actual satisfaction highlights growing challenges posed by busy schedules, academic pressure and digital distractions.

The survey, an initiative of the Varkey Foundation launched by Sunny Varkey, examines intergenerational relationships among children, parents, Gen Z and grandparents across countries. It introduces the Family Bonding Index to assess the strength of family connections.

Despite strong family values, only 22% of Indian children are satisfied with the quality time they spend with their families, the lowest proportion globally. Meanwhile, 76% want to spend more time with their grandparents, while 85% of parents spend time with their own parents at least weekly and 65% do so daily.

Grandparents remain integral to family life, with 76% living with their families and 65% seeing their grandchildren in person every day. Additionally, 41% of grandparents report spending at least 11 hours weekly enjoying quality time with family, the highest proportion among surveyed countries.

However, competing priorities are limiting meaningful interactions. Around 29% of children say their parents are too busy to spend time with them, while 43% identify homework and studying as major obstacles. Children's schedules are cited as barriers by 44% of parents and 54% of grandparents.

Digital devices have emerged as another major concern. Approximately 70% of parents and 60% of grandparents believe screen time has harmed family bonding. Furthermore, 45% of children identify screen use as an obstacle to spending more time together, while 74% of grandparents believe children today are being raised more by screens than by family.

Nevertheless, 81% of parents say family members talk together during meals, and 59% of children report that their parents always recognise when they are upset or struggling.

Sunny Varkey said economic pressures, geographical distance, conflict and technological change are straining family relationships worldwide. The findings also reveal strong support for government measures addressing children's screen use and online safety, highlighting the need to protect meaningful family connections.