Scientists have explained the effect of screens on self-control in children

The use of smartphones and tablets to calm a child may be associated with the development of self-control and cognitive flexibility, but the nature of this relationship varies depending on the child and the family situation. This was reported on July 13 in the journal Medical Xpress.

Scientists have studied the so—called media regulation of emotions - situations when parents give a child a phone, tablet or turn on a video to distract him from irritation, anxiety or other strong feelings. The authors analyzed data from six stages of the long-term M.E.D.I.A. project, in which children were monitored from two and a half to seven and a half years old. The researchers were interested in cognitive flexibility and the ability to suppress impulsive reactions. These skills help the child to adapt to changes, solve problems, understand different points of view and control their behavior.

Approximately 87% of the children were found to have two-way communication. The more difficult it was to calm the child, the more often the parents used the screen. In turn, the use of devices was associated with the further development of executive functions, which then again influenced the behavior of the child and the decisions of the parents.

In another 7% of participants, screen use was associated with the subsequent development of cognitive skills, but the level of these skills did not predict how often parents would give a child a device. Parents in this group were more likely to report severe symptoms of depression. About 6% of the children demonstrated a different, more complex model of the interaction of indicators.

The researchers emphasized that the work does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship and does not allow parents to be divided into those who use technology "correctly" or "incorrectly." The screen can become one of the few available tools in a situation where an adult himself is experiencing emotional exhaustion.

According to Shawcroft, supporting parents' mental health can simultaneously help them build a healthier child's relationship with technology. Families also need affordable alternatives, including walking, physical activity, games, and methods to help children gradually learn to deal with emotions on their own.

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Andrey Nevryuev, an assistant at the Department of Pedagogy and Medical Psychology at the Institute of Psychological and Social Work at Sechenov University, warned about the alarming signals of digital addiction in an interview with Izvestia on February 20. According to him, this may be indicated by a decrease in interest in real life and an inability to control the time spent online.