Parents who use cell phones a lot tend to scold their children more, a study finds

Research shows that disruptions in family interactions caused by technology can contribute to negative habits towards children

Too much screen time can be detrimental to the relationship between parents and children, says a study developed at the University of Waterloo, Canada, and published in the scientific journal Computer in human behavior . According to the researchers, they have begun to study the effect that cell phones and more gadget could have on parenting during the pandemic, Mothers, fathers and other healthcare professionals who spend a lot of time entertaining themselves from digital media are more likely to develop negative practices with their children, such as the habit of yelling and grumbling.

The survey evaluated 549 adults with at least two children between the ages of five and 18, providing information on technology consumption, mental health (both them and children) and aspects of family functioning, as well as educational practices developed at home.

In an article published on the University website, the Waterloo NewsJasmine Zhang, lead author of the study, pointed out that a lot is said about how damaging time spent in front of children’s screens can be, but that It must be remembered that the hours that parents spend entertaining themselves in the virtual world can be harmful even for the little ones. “It’s not just children who use these devices. Parents use digital media for various reasons and this behavior can impact their children,” he warned.

The impact of screens on family relationships

In the study, it was noted that moms and dads with the highest stress levels were the ones who reported more screen time, using the devices even when they wanted to relax. The researchers also noted a connection between technological habits and a lack of patience with little ones, as well as the continuous interruptions in family relationships.

It is worth mentioning that this is not about using a specific application, but about the fact that caregivers are not actually present in the home space due to high digital engagement.

Among the results, however, there was one exception: using technology to connect with friendsvia email or messaging app, which has proven to be a major factor in reducing parental anxiety and depression.

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Source: Terra

Benjamin

Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.