Impact of Early Tablet Use on Children’s Emotional Development
While allowing young children to stare at a computer screen often gives parents a much-needed respite, new research suggests that the practice should be curtailed. Early tablet use can lead to an increase in emotional outbursts later on, according to a study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
The Study’s Findings
The study found that children who watched 75 or more minutes of screen time a day at age 3 1/2 were more likely to have outbursts of anger and depression a year later. Additionally, a vicious cycle seems to be setting in, with children who are more likely to express anger and frustration at age 4 1/2 likely to spend more time on iPads a year later.
This cycle can negatively impact the emotional development of children, as study author Caroline Fitzpatrick, a professor of child development, pointed out. She emphasized that while allowing children to use tablets may help parents avoid tantrums in the short term, it does not lead to the development of strong emotional intelligence or internal emotion regulation skills in the long run.
Parental Perspectives
Some parents find that a little tablet time can be beneficial without causing obvious harm. Atlanta mother Farrah Butler, for example, occasionally allows her 3-year-old son, Oliver, to play with her iPad. She finds it helpful, especially when she needs a break or is trying to complete daily tasks like cooking.
Butler and her husband have observed that their children don’t mind when screen time is limited. They have found other activities to engage in, showing that a healthy balance between tablet use and other forms of play is possible.
In conclusion, while tablets can be useful tools for parents, moderation and monitoring of children’s screen time are essential to prevent negative impacts on emotional development. Encouraging a diverse range of activities and limiting excessive screen time can help children develop healthier emotional regulation skills and overall wellbeing.
