Parents and families are often looking for guidance about technology use, and I have been working to find the research to help navigate these waters.
Parental Technology Use in a Child’s Presence and Health Development in the Early Years, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Pediatrics, examined how parents’ use of technology around young children affects early development. The study found that technoference (the frequent parental use of technology) was associated with negative psychosocial and cognitive outcomes.
The findings do not suggest that technology use is inherently harmful or that parents should avoid using their devices completely. They demonstrate that we should be mindful about how and when technology is used around children. This is especially important during routine moments and daily interactions that could lead to communication, connection, and learning, if there is not a screen standing in the way. Early childhood requires responsiveness and reciprocal actions. If parents engage in frequent technology use around their children, connection decreases. Our team at Navesink Psychological Services suggests scheduled Tech Time Outs where everyone puts away devices and focuses on meaningful connections. For example, we saw many families enjoying time outside in Red Bank watching the ice boats on the Navesink River. Find the moments to put tech away and reconnect with what matters.