Culture Post: How Parents Glued To Their Phones Are Sabotaging Their Child’s Development

The following is excerpted from an online article posted by StudyFinds.

You’ve seen it at the playground: a toddler tries desperately to get mom’s attention while she scrolls through Instagram. Or a father glances at his buzzing phone mid-conversation with his preschooler. These seemingly innocent digital interruptions may be significantly impacting your child’s development, according to Australian researchers.

Researchers call it “technoference” – when your phone or tablet steals attention that would otherwise go to your child. Based on a comprehensive analysis of existing research, this digital distraction is doing more damage than most parents realize.

The team from University of Wollongong in Australia analyzed data from 21 research papers involving nearly 15,000 participants across 10 countries. Their findings were consistent and concerning: when parents frequently use phones or tablets around their young kids, the children showed weaker cognitive skills, more behavior problems, and spent more time on screens themselves.

The numbers paint a concerning picture. Over 70% of parents admit they use devices while playing with their kids or during meals. Even more telling, 89% report checking their device at least once while spending time with their children on an average day.

The research team found that children whose parents were frequently on devices showed:

• Poorer cognitive abilities, including attention problems and weaker thinking skills
• More emotional issues like anxiety and withdrawal
• Increased behavioral problems such as aggression and defiance
• Less prosocial behavior and weaker attachment to parents
• Higher personal screen time, mirroring their parents’ habits

According to the study, “When parents frequently engage with screen-based devices in the presence of their children, the children’s efforts to interact or seek attention may be met with delayed, dismissive, shallow, or absent responses.”

Source: StudyFinds
https://www.healthday.com/health-news/child-health/outdoor-play-sports-can-promote-motor-skills-in-youngsters

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