New parents, take heed: your mobile phone habit could be having a profound impact on your child's mental wellbeing. A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology reveals that frequent parental attachment to devices can contribute to heightened anxiety and insecurity in adolescents, with those aged 12-17 reporting feelings of being devalued or dismissed when competing for attention.
The researchers surveyed 600 young people in the US, who shared stories of feeling unimportant when their parents prioritised screens during attempts to connect. This phenomenon, known as 'phubbing', can foster 'insecure attachment' in a child, potentially affecting self-esteem and confidence throughout life, according to lead author Don Grant.
Smartphones have only been widely available for around two decades, but their popularity has soared: 98% of US adults now own one, as reported by Pew. Research into the societal impacts of smartphone use is still in its early stages, but a growing consensus within the scientific community highlights potential negative effects on children and teenagers.
This study adds to existing scholarship, which previously focused more on teens' compulsive phone use and less on parental device habits. Other research has also explored this topic: a 2023 study conducted in China found a correlation between parental phone attachment and increased likelihood of screen addiction in children, while a 2024 US-based study observed that parental 'phubbing' was linked to more distant relationships with children.
While the study's authors stress that not every instance of parental distraction will lead to anxious or insecure children, they aim to illuminate adolescents' perceptions of how attention is divided in digital family environments. By understanding these subjective experiences, parents can make informed choices about their phone use and its impact on their child's mental wellbeing.
The NHS recommends setting boundaries around screen time to promote healthy relationships and reduce stress (NHS Digital). Parents can also try alternative ways to connect with their children, such as engaging in activities or having device-free family time. By prioritising quality over quantity, parents may be able to mitigate the negative effects of smartphone use on their child's mental wellbeing.