Study on children, parents and smartphones.
A study was conducted, during which more than a thousand children aged 9 to 11 were interviewed.
Canadian researchers found that children whose parents spend a lot of time using smartphones are more prone to anxiety, difficulties with concentration and hyperactivity. This was shown by a study, during which more than a thousand children aged 9 to 11 were interviewed, reports MedicalXpress.
The team chose this age for a reason. According to the authors of the work, in this range, children’s development is particularly dependent on external factors. This age is also associated with an increased risk of mental health problems.
During the study, scientists surveyed Canadian children twice – in 2020 and early 2022.
Children were asked to read the statements and say whether they agreed with them. Specifically, participants were asked whether they would like their parents to spend less time on their phones or other devices.
The children were also asked whether they found it annoying that their parents used smartphones while they were together.
The study also tested participants for mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, or inattention, that might have developed during the study.
The researchers concluded that higher levels of anxiety symptoms in children were associated with their belief that their parents spent too much time on their phones.
“Too much time spent by parents on smartphones was also associated with higher levels of inattention and hyperactivity symptoms later in life,” the study authors said.
The results remained roughly the same regardless of the child’s gender.
At the same time, the authors of the work are not in a hurry to draw conclusions about the root cause of this connection: children are more worried because of their parents’ obsession with phones, or adults use the device as a salvation because of their children’s behavioral problems.
