Overview

• The meta-analysis, involving nearly 15,000 participants, found that parental technology use disrupts critical parent-child interactions and is linked to poorer cognitive development, emotional issues, and behavioral problems in young children.
• Both brief interruptions and prolonged distractions caused by parental device use showed similar negative effects on children's wellbeing, including weaker attachment to parents and increased screen time for children.
• Children whose parents frequently use devices are more likely to exhibit internalizing behaviors such as anxiety, externalizing behaviors like aggression, and decreased prosocial behaviors.
• Researchers emphasized that technology itself is not inherently harmful but stressed the importance of mindful use, particularly during key routines like meals, playtime, and bedtime, to mitigate developmental disruptions.
• The findings call for parents, educators, and policymakers to promote regulated screen use and prioritize active, engaged interactions to support healthy child development.