When parents are stressed, kids get more screen time
Researchers at FIU have a message for parents: If screen time is part of getting through a stressful day, find a way to make it count. The goal should be to focus less on quantity and more on quality.
Researchers at Florida International University (FIU) have found that when parents are under stress, their children tend to spend more time on screens. A study from FIU's Center for Children and Families revealed that higher stress levels in parents lead to increased reliance on screens to calm or occupy their children, and less adherence to consistent screen-time limits.
This was observed in a survey of 822 caregivers across the United States with children aged 4 to 8. Lead author Enid Moreira, an FIU psychology doctoral student, emphasized the importance of addressing parents' stress as much as children's screen use. The study suggests that improving the quality of children's screen time, rather than simply reducing the quantity, is crucial.
The researchers recommend choosing age-appropriate, meaningful media content and integrating screen use into daily routines in a healthy manner. They also encourage parents to utilize the American Academy of Pediatrics' Family Media Plan and consider the "5 Cs of Media Use" to promote healthy development. The study's findings align with the American Academy of Pediatrics' guidance, which encourages families to focus on the quality of media content and its impact on overall well-being.
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