Parents warned: Don’t ignore kids for your mobile phone

PARENTS who are on their phones during family time are breeding bad behaviour in their kids, new research shows.

PARENTS who are on their phones during family time are breeding bad behaviour in their kids.

The growing problem of “technoference”, where devices interfere with face-to-face contact, is hitting children hard, new research shows.

A lack of personal contact at playtime, mealtimes and bedtimes can influence long-term relationships, the study in Paediatric Research found.

PARENT TAX RETURNS MAY DECIDE PRIVATE SCHOOL FUNDING

JETSETTING PARENTS TOLD TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT

Parents who are on their phones during family time are breeding bad behaviour in their kids. Generic picture: Supplied

Children are more prone to frustration, whining or tantrums as they battle for their parents’ attention. Parents are more hostile when offspring try to get their attention.

Medical researchers from Illinois State University and the University of Michigan found that in most families, at least one device disrupted parent and child time every day.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that 97 per cent of households with children under 15 years have internet access. Smart phones are used by 91 per cent of connected households.

Brisbane child psychologist Dr Judith Locke said parents need not be shamed for using a phone in the presence of a child but it was vital certain times of the day, such as dinner, were reserved for face-to-face communication.

Macca’s view.

“Kids like adults need to feel valued and important so turning off the phones for a short time a day is simply showing them respect,” Dr Locke said.

“Phones are a part of life and everything is not all about the kids but a balance needs to be struck,” she said.

Technology can serve as a refuge for parents who have to cope with difficult behaviour but hiding behind a screen is inflaming the problem, the researchers found.

Mother of three Lily Carlyle does her best to prevent screen time during dinner. “Phones are a big part of our lives these days but I can see that face-to-face contact is vital with the kids. Harvey, at 4, is just starting to build relationships and he particularly needs that personal contact,” the Brisbane mum said.

[e-mail]