As smartphones and tablets become increasingly embedded in daily life, a growing body of research is raising alarms about their subtle yet significant effects on young children.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that when parents use technology in the presence of their young children—a behavior researchers call “parental technology use” (PTU)—it may be harming key aspects of kids’ health and development.
The meta-analysis, which combined data from 21 studies across 10 countries and included nearly 15,000 participants, revealed consistent associations between PTU and negative outcomes in children under the age of five.
These include poorer cognitive development, increased behavioral and emotional problems, weaker attachment to parents and higher screen time in children themselves.
Though the effect sizes were categorized as small, the implications are far-reaching.
“The negative association between PTU and children’s cognition may be attributable to a decrease in the quality of parent-child interactions and lack of contingent responding,” the authors wrote, noting that distracted or inconsistent engagement—such as when a parent is absorbed in a phone—can result in missed opportunities for learning, bonding and emotional regulation.
Children whose parents frequently use devices around them were found to be less likely to display prosocial behaviors and more likely to exhibit signs of internalizing issues like anxiety or externalizing behaviors like aggression.
“Parents are children’s first and most important teachers, and child frustration can arise from inconsistent responses, regardless of whether these inconsistencies are attributed to PTU,” the authors explained.
Furthermore, these children tended to spend more time in front of screens themselves—a trend that could have long-term consequences for physical health, attention spans, and sleep.
Interestingly, the type of tech use, whether a brief interruption or prolonged distraction, did not change the outcome. Both forms had similarly negative associations with children’s wellbeing.
“This association may also be influenced by parents who are not concerned about their own screen time and, consequently, may be less attentive to their children’s screen time,” the authors said.
The researchers emphasized that PTU doesn’t just interrupt conversations; it can interrupt development.
“We emphasize that these results do not imply that technological devices are inherently harmful; they can serve as valuable tools for parents,” they said. “However, regulating and controlling device use around children may help mitigate potential negative effects.”
The study stops short of suggesting that technology should be eliminated from family life altogether.
Instead, the authors advocate for mindful use, especially during shared routines like meals, playtime, and bedtime—moments critical for connection and development.
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Reference
Toledo-Vargas, M., Chong, K. H., Maddren, C. I., Howard, S. J., Wakefield, B., & Okely, A. D. (2025). Parental technology use in a child’s presence and health and development in the early years: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.0682
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