Parents’ attachment to phone screens can lead to anxiety in children - study
A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that parental 'phubbing'—ignoring children in favor of smartphone use—can increase anxiety and feelings of devaluation in adolescents. Researchers found that compulsive screen use by caregivers negatively impacts the emotional well-being of children aged 12 to 17.
Why it matters
As smartphone penetration reaches near-universal levels, understanding the psychological impact of parental digital distraction is critical for modern family health.
An array of studies have found teens are especially prone to compulsive, extreme use of their phones and social media apps. An array of studies have found teens are especially prone to compulsive, extreme use of their phones and social media apps. Mobile phones Parents’ attachment to phone screens can lead to anxiety in children – study Teens feel ‘devalued, dismissed or unimportant’ when parents snub them in favor of phones, new research finds
The report summarizes scientific findings neutrally, citing specific research and peer-reviewed sources.
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