Researchers from the University of Wollongong in Australia have found some disturbing findings. They provided some insight into how parental technology use impacts those children five and younger. On May 5, the initiative published an analysis of data from 21 existing studies. It highlighted the harmful effects of “technoference,” a term used to describe disruptions and distraction from technology during parent-child exchanges.
This inquiry included answers from almost 14,900 individuals around the world, all of whom were caretakers of kids ages 0 to 4.9 years of ages. The findings showed that when parents use technology in the presence of their children, it leaves an indelible mark on the kids’ production. This seemingly benign behavior can have dire long-term consequences.
The results indicate that technoference significantly associates with negative cognitive outcomes for young children. Long-term, poor-game play is associated with less prosocial behavior, less attachment, and more internalizing and externalizing problems. Moreover, researchers found that greater amounts of screen time were linked with higher parental tech use as well.
“Parental technology use in their child’s presence was significantly associated with poorer cognition and prosocial behavior, lower attachment, higher levels of internalizing and externalizing problems, and higher levels of screen time,” – authors of the May 5 report.
According to lead author Tiia Tulviste from the University of Tartu, e-books and educational games have the potential to improve language learning. As she noted, these benefits are quickly outweighed by the effect of technoference.
“While reading e-books and playing some educational games may offer language learning opportunities,” – Tiia Tulviste of the University of Tartu.
Clinicians who participated in this study emphasized a critical need. They expressed concern that such intrusions can short-circuit the normal rhythm of parent-child interaction. This dislocation is especially alarming during the formative years when young children learn and develop essential social and language skills.
“It may foster a sense of being ignored or lead children to feel they must compete for their parents’ attention,” – clinicians.
Our new study found that parent technology use affected child development in all 11 domains evaluated. It had a positive impact on motor development, cognitive development, psychosocial well-being, physical activity, screen time, and sleep.
Tulviste further stressed the importance of traditional interactions, stating that “during the first years of life, the most influential factor is everyday dyadic face-to-face parent-child verbal interaction.”
Society is using technology more and more each day. These findings raise important questions about how to maximize the benefits of technology while promoting positive, enriching, face-to-face interactions between parents and their young children.
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