New study reveals parents' use of technology in front of children can negatively impact their development
University of Wollongong (UOW) researchers have found parents' use of technology in their child's presence was associated with poorer cognition and social behaviour outcomes and increased screen time among young children.
Lead researcher Marcelo Toledo-Vargas says his research team wanted to understand the impact a parents' use of technology – using a device while the child is present but not engaged with the same device or content – can have on children's health and development.
"Some studies have indicated that 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," Mr Toledo-Vargas said.
"Devices can play a valuable role in helping parents navigate the complexities of modern life, however when these devices interrupt parent-child interactions it can lead to unintentional consequences.
"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.
"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."
The paper, Parental Technology Use in a Child's Presence and Health and Development in the Early Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, was published this week in JAMA Pediatrics.
The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies from 10 countries, involving almost 15,000 children, to examine whether parents' use of technology is associated with children's health and development, and in particular motor development, cognitive development, psychosocial health, physical activity, screen time, and sleep in children younger than five years.
Although the magnitude of the associations was generally small, they were consistent across a range of cognitive and behavioural outcomes.
Mr Toledo-Vargas is a PhD candidate in the School of Social Sciences. His research examines the impact of parental screen use on the health and development of preschoolers. Mr Toledo-Vargas' research interests include 24-hour movement behaviours, motor skills, and executive functions in children.
About the research
'Parental Technology Use in a Child's Presence and Health and Development in the Early Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis' Mobility', by Marcelo Toledo-Vargas, Kar Hau Chong, Claudia Maddren, Steven Howard, Bradley Wakefield, and Anthony Okely, was published in JAMA Pediatrics: doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.0682
