Is there a link between parental device (mobile phone) use and developmental or behavioral issues in children?

Parental Device Use and Child Development: Evidence and Recommendations

Parental mobile device use has been associated with fewer mother-child interactions and decreased parent-child verbal interactions, which may negatively impact child development and behavior. 1 The evidence suggests that when parents are frequently engaged with their mobile devices, important developmental interactions with their children may be compromised.

Impact of Parental Device Use on Child Development

Evidence of Potential Harm

• Research has found that parent mobile media use is associated with fewer mother-child interactions 1
• When parents are preoccupied with their phones, parent-infant eye contact may be impaired, which is fundamental for infant development 2
• In a study examining developmental sessions, 66% of parents engaged with their phones during their child's assessment, and the rate of language/motor delays was twice as common among children of cell phone users compared to non-users 2
• The phenomenon known as "technoference" (technology interference in parent-child interactions) is increasingly recognized as a concern 3

Parental Awareness and Concerns

• In a nationally representative survey, parents reported that an average of 3.03 devices interfered daily in their interactions with their child 3
• Nearly two-thirds (66.5%) of parents expressed worry about the impact of their mobile electronic device use on their child 3
• Parents across diverse sociodemographic backgrounds recognize the potential negative effects of device use during parent-child interactions 3

Current Guidelines and Recommendations

American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations

• The AAP emphasizes the importance of growth-enhancing offline activities such as reading, play, physical activity, movement, and social interaction 1
• Parents should be mindful of how their screen use may affect family dynamics 1
• Pediatricians should encourage parents to both monitor children's screen time and be mindful of their own screen habits 1

Practical Strategies for Parents

1. Create device-free zones and times:

   • Establish screen-free zones in the home, particularly during mealtimes and in bedrooms 4
   • Set aside dedicated time for parent-child interaction without device interruptions

2. Practice active mediation:

   • When using media together, engage in conversations about the content 1
   • Use media as a tool to strengthen connections and family relationships 1

3. Model healthy screen behaviors:

   • Children learn from observing parents' behaviors with devices 4
   • Be conscious of your own screen time when around children

4. Prioritize face-to-face interactions:

   • Focus on interactive activities, reading books together, and physical activity 4
   • Maintain eye contact during interactions with infants and young children 2

Special Considerations

Age-Specific Concerns

• The impact of parental device use may be particularly significant for infants and very young children who rely heavily on face-to-face interactions for development 2
• Children with pre-existing vulnerabilities may be more adversely affected by reduced parent-child interaction due to device use 2

Measurement Challenges

• Parent-reported duration of mobile device use in young children has low accuracy 5
• More objective measures are needed to accurately assess both parent and child device use 5

Future Research Needs

• Longitudinal studies examining how parental device use affects child development over time 1
• Research on how media can be used as a positive force in families 1
• Studies examining the interplay between parent and child media use within the family system 1

While more research is needed to establish definitive causation, the current evidence suggests that parents should minimize device use when interacting with their young children to support optimal development and strengthen parent-child relationships.