Findings from a recent study on the use of tablets and smartphones in early life:
Child tablet use at the age of 3.5 was associated with more expressions of anger and frustration by the age of 4.5. This increased anger and frustration at age 4.5 was then associated with more tablet use by age 5.5.
These results suggest that early childhood tablet use may contribute to a deleterious cycle of emotional regulation.
In other words, giving a kid a tablet prevents them from developing coping strategies and emotional regulation, which results in more tablet use to manage their terrible behavior, which results in even more problems with emotional regulation and more tablet use.
A vicious cycle that results in suffering for the child and anyone who must parent, teach, or otherwise manage that child.
On the one hand, these findings are exceptionally important for promoting the health and welfare of our children.
On the other hand, DID WE REALLY NEED A STUDY TO TELL US THAT HANDING YOUR TODDLER A PHONE OR TABLET IS A TERRIBLE IDEA?
We haven’t yet studied the effects of playing in traffic, but I suspect we all know what the results of that study will be, too.
Is handing a toddler a tablet on a regular basis any different?
Did anyone truly believe that handing a screen to a small child was a great idea?
The same goes for social media and phone use in general:
Does anyone really think that Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook are good for any child at any age?
Does anyone really believe giving an 8, 10, 12, or even a 15-year-old a phone—complete with unfettered access to social media and the internet—was ever a good idea?
Or was it just easier to give the toddler a tablet to placate their immediate needs?
Was it simply less fraught and contentious to hand over a phone to your fourth grader and give them access to social media?
Did giving your child a phone feel necessary because everyone else was doing the same?
Yes, I’m sure some parents handed their toddlers and young children tablets and phones and thought, “This device will serve my child well and most assuredly promote their emotional development and help make them a far better person.”
But I suspect the number of parents who actually think this is in the single digits.
Studies about the effects of screens on toddlers are important, but sometimes, the outcomes are as obvious as sunrise, and what we need isn’t more information but more appropriate action on what we already know.
