photo: Artotem, Creative Commons
The use of smartphones has become an essential part of everyday life. Checking work emails, surfing the web, using the newest apps to make your life simpler, or doing the oh so popular texting others to stay connected— these are just a few amazing functions of the smartphone. Parents tend to rely on their smartphones to communicate with their children, synchronize schedules, and even keep tabs on daily assignments and grades.
Although smartphones can be very useful, they can also become problematic when they interfere with parenting.
A recent study was conducted to show this alarming trend. Researchers from Boston Medical Center went undercover in 15 local fast food restaurants to observe the interactions between family members. Mealtimes are typically a time when family members are not working and have an opportunity to focus their attention on family and bonding.
The study found parents in 40 of 55 families were absorbed in the smartphones, ignoring their children. Children were observed either sitting in silence while they ate their food or attempting to act out or make noise to get their parents attention, only to be scolded at times.
Smartphones are cutting off the connection between parents and their children.
This is especially disheartening when we realize what this lack of connection means. Children and parents strengthen attachments by talking and sharing experiences. For younger children, this is also a developmental time for language skill building. The development of those attachments and skills are being threatened when parents are focused in their phones instead.
Although this study only focuses on behaviors at fast food restaurants, it could be an indicator that parents are using their smartphones just as much during other daily activities.
Parents, be smart!
Set healthy boundaries around the use of your smartphone. Shut your phone off during mealtimes. Create “no phone zones” during family activities. Disengage from your phone during parent-child time.
Don’t let your smartphone jeopardize your connection with your kids.
Porsha Williams, LAMFT
Pwilliams@ GROWcounseling.com