“The Silent Anxiety Trigger: Is Your Phone Sabotaging Your Child’s Mental Health?”

A recent study has uncovered another connection between smartphone usage and adverse impacts on children’s mental well-being, associating high levels of parental screen time with increased anxiety and hyperactivity in their offspring.

“The researchers focused on the concept of technoference – how much technology is disrupting social interactions and daily routines at home,” Pediatrician Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez explained to ABC News. “They brought in 9-year-olds and asked them, ‘How much is your parents’ phone use interfering with your interactions?’ and inquired about their mental health.”

“When they followed up with the children at ages 10 and 11, they discovered that those who reported their parents’ phones as problematic also showed a higher likelihood of exhibiting symptoms associated with anxiety and hyperactivity,” she added.

This research contributes to the growing body of scientific evidence linking excessive screen time to negative effects on children. Children who themselves have high screen time face numerous disadvantages, including increased risks of anxiety and depression, reduced cognitive function, delayed speech development, poorer sleep quality, and more.

Earlier studies have also indicated that parents are less responsive to their children’s needs when engaged with screens around them – potentially explaining why these children develop higher rates of anxiety and hyperactivity.

Dr. Bracho-Sanchez advises parents to be extremely mindful of their phone usage around their children and encourages them to set positive examples.

“It begins with being aware of your phone time and screen use…” she stated. “We should establish phone-free zones to create clear rules at home. We should also be conscious of what phone use is replacing, such as outdoor time.”

Familyguide 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.