Research on Parental Technology Distraction and Adolescent Mental Health

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that when parents are often distracted by technology, their children may experience more mental health difficulties. More specifically, kids who notice more interruptions from their parents’ use of phones or other devices reported higher levels of anxiety, inattention, and hyperactivity over time.

Children with higher anxiety were more likely to feel ignored by their parents’ tech use later on. At the same time, when parents used technology often, their children showed more signs of being inattentive and overly active.

Lastly, there weren’t major differences between how boys and girls were affected, meaning that all children could experience similar challenges when parents are distracted by technology.

The results of this study clearly show how important it is for parents and caregivers to take steps to minimize “technoference” — interruptions in family interactions due to technology use, like when parents get distracted by their phones or other devices during conversations or playtime with their kids.

Understanding the Research

This cohort study used data from the All Our Families study, which began with pregnant women in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, between May 2008 and December 2010. The study followed these women and their children through adolescence.

The study specifically focuses on the period during the COVID-19 pandemic when the emerging adolescents were between the ages of 9 and 11. The mothers gave permission for their children to take part in the study, and the adolescents themselves agreed to participate as well.

As for the data collection, online questionnaires were given to mothers to assess their technology use and their adolescents’ mental health symptoms — this included anxiety, depression, inattention, and hyperactivity.

Parental technoference was measured by two questions on how often the adolescent felt their parent was on devices and how frustrated they felt during shared time.

These were the findings in the emerging adolescents:

• When adolescents perceived more parental technoference, they reported higher mental health difficulties, especially with anxiety, inattention, and hyperactivity.
• As adolescents experienced higher levels of anxiety, they reported more parental technoference. (The study notes that it’s possible that parents who see their child struggle with anxiety turn to their phones or devices as a way to cope with the stress of the situation. They might reach out to family or friends online for support or search for information. On the other hand, adolescents with anxiety might be more aware of their parents being distracted by their devices.)
• Higher parental technoference was linked to more symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity over time, but not the other way around.
• Both boys and girls were affected by technoference, but the extent to which it influenced their mental health varied. However, there was no clear pattern of one gender being more affected than the other.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

Given the impact of parental technoference, what can we do to reduce these disruptions for our children? Consider these tips to help minimize technoference and improve family interactions:

Be present during family moments

This is one of the most meaningful ways to support your child’s mental health, aside from strengthening your relationship. “Being present” means setting aside distractions like phones or other devices, and giving your full attention to your current interaction.

Our kids thrive when they feel we are emotionally available and focused on them.

Model balanced technology habits

Avoiding technology completely is likely impossible nowadays, but the key is to find balance. More importantly, parents need to set a good example of healthy tech habits.

Some of the best ways to set boundaries around tech use include designating tech-free zones (like the dinner table or bedroom) and taking intentional breaks from using screens.

Here’s a PDF resource on Screen Time Tips For Parents And Families.

Make time for quality interactions

Many activities provide opportunities for you and your child to connect and create new memories. These include family game nights, cooking or baking together, road trips, and nature walks or hikes.

These moments are not just fun at the time but become cherished memories that your child will look back on as they grow. Parents can also use these opportunities to weave in discussions about healthy screen use, such as the impact of excessive screen time (especially social media) on their mental health and relationships.

The researchers also noted that future research should explore how certain stressors, like work-from-home arrangements may affect family dynamics and technology use.

For more resources to support the mental health of young people and their families, visit our Healthy Habits Posters and Self-Care Worksheets.