Rising Adult Screen Time: Its Impact on Kids’ Behavior

Navigating Our Screen Obsession

As adults, our fixation on screens has escalated, and it’s natural to worry about how this affects our children. A pediatrician mom shares insights on reducing our own screen time so our kids can thrive, too.

By Jane Smith
Updated: Feb. 20, 2024
Originally Published: May 17, 2022

When my nephew wants to catch up on amusing animal videos, he sneaks into his room and hides under the blankets. At just 5 years old, he’s aware that adults fret over his screen time. Meanwhile, his parents and I are likely lounging in the living room, glued to our devices. Although we may joke about my daughter neglecting her homework for video games while my nephew binge-watches, we find it hard to put our phones down. This glaring inconsistency raises the question: Are we overly concerned about our children’s screen habits while ignoring our own? Just how much screen time is excessive for adults, and how might our behaviors influence our kids?

Breaking Free from the Screen Trap

A recent article from Time magazine indicates that adult screen time has surged by 60-80% in recent years. The good news is that if you’re using screens for reading, watching educational content, or connecting with family, that’s generally acceptable, according to experts. However, mindlessly scrolling at the expense of family interaction or personal downtime poses a problem. In other words, if you find yourself glued to your device, you might be addicted.

Personally, I’ve made some minor adjustments, like activating the “Do Not Disturb” mode on my phone from 9:30 PM to 8:15 AM. I’ve also developed a routine of reading in bed before sleep. However, I still find myself checking my phone frequently, and I know the kids notice.

Your Screen Use Can Influence Your Kids’ Behavior

If you need motivation to reduce screen time, consider this: Children are more inclined to misbehave when they feel ignored in favor of tech. “Several studies show that when parents pick up their phones during meals, kids begin to act out,” explains Dr. Emily Parker, a pediatrician from San Francisco and a mother of two. “Children seek their parents’ attention, and if they don’t get it, their behavior declines. As a parent, I try to maintain eye contact with my kids when they want to engage with me. If you’re absorbed in your phone while they enjoy their dessert, they’ll feel overlooked, leading to changes in their behavior.”

Seeking Solutions

Dr. Parker has a strategy I find appealing: putting away adult phones from 6 PM to 8 PM. She implemented this rule because her partner was often distracted. “Without phones, the kids truly feel his presence for those two hours. Once they’re in bed, he can catch up on messages,” she shares. “Family and friends quickly adapted to our evening routine. It’s liberating, and it creates a safe space for kids to share their feelings.”

Another rule she follows is to keep phones off the dinner table. Surprisingly, research indicates that even a phone lying face down can prevent meaningful conversation. “If I bring my phone to the table, even if it’s turned off, it can hinder my kids from discussing serious topics, like bullying or other concerns,” she notes. “That’s not something I’m willing to compromise on.”

Of course, Dr. Parker acknowledges that there are times she must take calls, but she explains her actions to her children. “Sometimes work requires our attention. By informing them that I need to take a call, I show them that I understand the necessity of balancing work and family time,” she explains.

Setting a Positive Example

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers valuable guidance on managing kids’ screen time, but one key point stands out: “Model healthy screen habits for your children.” Kids observe our actions closely and often replicate them, sometimes leading to undesirable habits. Dr. Parker advises, “Try to engage in less important activities—like browsing the internet—during times you’re not with them. Otherwise, they’ll mirror that behavior once they get their own devices.”

In Closing

By reflecting on our own screen habits and making necessary adjustments, we can create a healthier environment for our children. For more information on at-home insemination, you can check out this article on infertility resources or explore this guide about insemination kits.

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Summary:

Adult screen time has increased significantly, raising concerns about its influence on children’s behavior. Experts suggest that parents should model healthy screen habits and limit their own device usage, especially during family time. By doing so, we can help foster better behavior and communication in our kids.