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Putting Your Phone Away Could Help Your Child’s Anxiety
By Movieguide® Contributor
A new study revealed yet another link between phone use and negative effects on child mental health, linking high amounts of parental screen time with anxiety and hyperactivity in their kids.
“[The researchers] honed on this idea of technoference — or, how much technology is interfering with social interactions and everyday routines in the home,” Pediatrician Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez told ABC News. “What they did was they brought in 9-year-olds and they asked them ‘How much is your parents’ phone use getting in the way of your interactions?’ and they asked them about mental health.”
“What they found when they brough them back at 10 and 11 was that those kids that said, ‘Yeah, my parents’ phones are a problem’ also had a higher chance of exhibiting symptoms that were concerning for anxiety [and] hyperactivity,” she continued.
This study adds to the mounds of scientific data linking high screen time with negative effects on children. Kids who have high screen time themselves experience many downsides including higher risks for anxiety and depression, lower cognitive function, slower speech development, worse sleep quality and more.
Previous studies have also shown that parents are less attentive to their children’s needs when they are on their screens around them — perhaps one explanation for why these kids develop higher rates of anxiety and hyperactiveness.
Dr. Bracho-Sanchez, therefore, advises parents to be extremely careful about how they use their phones around their kids and encourages them to set good examples.
“It really starts with being mindful of your phone time and your screen use…” she said. “Really, let’s create those phone-free zones so that we have clear rules in the home. Let’s also be mindful of what the phones are replacing such as time outside.”
Movieguide® previously reported:
While many parents set screen limits and restrictions for their children, a recent study found that parents are guilty of spending more time on their phones than building relationships with their kids.
A survey managed by OnePoll and commissioned by Campspot revealed that parents spend an average of five hours a day on their phones and less than four hours a day with their children.
“Three out of five American parents admit that they spend more time on their electronic devices than their kids do,” Study Finds reported.
Most parents (80%) own three or more electronic devices. Their kids (81%) own a minimum of two devices. Only two percent of children own no devices.
However, parents recognize that the significant presence of technology is problematic, not only for their children but also for them.
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