Parents’ phone use during play and meals is linked to poorer child development outcomes, according to new research from 10 countries.
What’s happening: University of Wollongong researchers analysed data from nearly 15,000 children to examine how parents’ technology use affects young children’s development. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that when parents use devices whilst their child is present but not engaged with the same device, it’s associated with poorer cognition, social behaviour outcomes, and increased screen time among children under five.
Why this matters to all parents: The research confirms what’s happening in families worldwide – around seven out of 10 parents use their phone during play or mealtimes, and nearly nine out of 10 admit to checking their phone once or more in front of their children every day. This isn’t just a problem in one country; it’s a global pattern affecting child development.
The bigger picture: This represents one of the largest studies of its kind, examining how everyday family technology use affects the critical early years when children are developing social and language skills. Similar patterns of parent device use are documented across developed countries worldwide, making this relevant to families everywhere.
Here’s what the research actually found, how experts are interpreting the results, and what this means for families navigating technology use at home.
What Parents Need to Know
What the study measured: Researchers examined whether parents’ technology use whilst children are present affects motor development, cognitive development, psychosocial health, physical activity, children’s own screen time, and sleep in children younger than five years.
What this means for your family: When parents use devices during interactions with young children, it can interrupt the natural flow of parent-child interactions that are particularly important as children are acquiring critical social and language skills. Children might feel ignored or like they’re competing for their parents’ attention.
How significant are the effects: Although researchers noted the magnitude of the associations was generally small, they were consistent across a range of cognitive and behavioural outcomes. The consistency across different countries and study types suggests this is a real effect, even if subtle.
Why this happens: Lead researcher Marcelo Toledo-Vargas explains that devices can interrupt parent-child interactions: “Kids might feel ignored or like they’re competing for their parents’ attention. This can disrupt the natural flow of interactions, which is particularly important as young children are acquiring critical social and language skills.”
The researchers’ perspective: “Our goal isn’t to make parents feel guilty, but to raise awareness of how everyday device use might affect moments of connection, and how small, intentional changes can make a meaningful difference,” Toledo-Vargas said.
What Researchers Are Saying
The study represents the most comprehensive analysis to date of how parental technology use affects young children, involving researchers who conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies from 10 countries.
The research team acknowledged that devices “can play a valuable role in helping parents navigate the complexities of modern life,” but emphasised the unintended consequences when device use interrupts parent-child interactions.
The study’s publication in JAMA Pediatrics, a leading medical journal, indicates the research meets high standards for medical and developmental research.
How This Affects Your Family
If you’re a parent of young children: Consider when and how you use devices around your children, particularly during play, meals, and other interaction times. The research suggests it’s not about never using devices, but being more intentional about when you use them.
Understanding the global context: Similar patterns of parent device use are documented worldwide, so this isn’t about being a “bad parent” in one particular country – it’s about how modern technology affects family interactions globally.
Small changes, meaningful impact: The researchers emphasise that “small, intentional changes can make a meaningful difference” rather than requiring dramatic lifestyle overhauls.
Age considerations: The study focused specifically on children under five years, when social and language skill development is particularly critical and when parent-child interactions have the most developmental impact.
Conversation starters for families:
- “When do we feel most connected during our time together?”
- “Are there times when phones feel like they’re interrupting our conversations?”
- “What would help us have more focused time together?”
Practical steps to consider: Based on the research findings, families might consider designated phone-free times during meals, play, or bedtime routines.
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