New research highlights the potential impact of parents’ social media usage on their children’s interactions, even when they are not actively using their devices. The study, set to be presented on March 5, 2024, at the Digital Media and Developing Minds International Scientific Congress in Washington, D.C., reveals that mothers who spend more time on social media have significantly less verbal interaction with their children during playtime.
In the study conducted by doctoral student Liz Robinson from the University of Alabama, the findings indicate that mothers who were heavy social media users engaged in 29% less conversation with their children while playing compared to those who used social media minimally. Mothers categorized as low users spent an average of 21 minutes per day on social media, while high users averaged 169 minutes daily. This research marks a shift from previous studies that focused primarily on the immediate effects of screen time on children when parents are online.
Robinson noted that while the mothers in the study were physically present, their mental engagement with their children may have been compromised due to their habitual social media use. “Often our minds wander to activities that are more pleasurable naturally, and we know social media is that experience for most people,” explained Kris Perry, executive director of Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development, who organized the congress but did not participate in the research.
The study examined interactions among 65 toddlers aged 2 to 5 and their mothers in Alabama. The researchers found no significant correlation between the use of other screen activities, such as checking emails or the weather, and reduced communication with children.
While Robinson’s study has not yet undergone peer review, it aligns with previous findings indicating the lingering effects of social media on individuals. Perry emphasizes the critical importance of parental presence during play, noting that children benefit from verbal interactions, which are essential for language development. “Learning language is a major feature of optimal child development and is dependent on children expressing and receiving language from birth through age 18,” she stated.
To address these challenges, experts recommend several strategies for parents. One key suggestion is to ensure consistent and meaningful verbal communication with children, irrespective of their age. This interaction is vital for cognitive and emotional development, helping children understand executive functions and emotional regulation.
To facilitate better engagement, parents should consider designating specific times for undistracted interaction with their children. Robinson advises, “Though I have many things to tend to today, I can give my child undivided attention for the next 15 minutes. That focused time goes a long way from the child’s perspective.”
Additionally, parents are encouraged to monitor their social media habits critically. Perry suggests limiting the frequency and duration of social media use to minimize its potential impact on parent-child relationships. “Reducing the amount of time you’re on social media can prevent the likelihood of speaking less to your child,” she noted.
While the study establishes a correlation between social media usage and decreased verbal interaction, Robinson points out that it does not determine causation. Factors such as parents’ mental health, income, and education were not taken into account, which could influence both social media habits and parenting styles. She also expressed a desire for future research to explore similar dynamics among fathers, emphasizing that parental engagement is essential for all caregivers.
This study raises important considerations for parents regarding how their social media habits might affect their children’s development and interactions. Moving forward, being mindful of how social media occupies mental space could lead to more meaningful connections with children during play.
