A study led by the University of California, Irvine reported on April 23 that parents who use digital devices to calm or distract infants and toddlers may see increased behavior problems in their children over time, as well as higher levels of parenting stress for mothers. The research followed 210 families from when children were nine months old through toddlerhood, tracking how media use and parenting stress interact.
The findings matter because they suggest that everyday choices about screen use can have lasting effects on children’s social and emotional development. The researchers found a cycle where higher maternal stress led to more frequent device use with young children, which was then linked to more behavioral challenges in toddlers—further increasing parenting stress.
“Digital devices are incredibly effective at capturing children’s attention, especially when they are upset or bored,” said Stephanie M. Reich, UC Irvine professor of education. “But when devices are used to calm or distract children, they may displace opportunities for children to develop self-regulation skills – skills that are critical for long-term social and emotional development.” Reich also said: “Those everyday interactions are how young children learn to manage their emotions. If those moments are consistently replaced, it may shape development in ways we’re only beginning to understand.” She added: “Understanding how families use media requires looking at the full family system.”
The study found that while most parents rarely used devices with infants, all parents reported using them with toddlers at least some days each week. Fathers’ device use was also associated with children’s behavior problems over time but did not correlate directly with fathers’ reported stress levels.
University of California Irvine is known for its academic achievement and research activity according to the official website. The university participates in NCAA Division I athletics as the Anteaters according to the official website, operates within the University of California system according to the official website, and focuses on advancing knowledge through research, education and public service with an emphasis on inclusive excellence according to the official website. UC Irvine also engages in international collaborations according to the official website and holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission according to the official website.
The broader implications point toward a need for further research into how screen time is used rather than just its total amount—and how family systems approach technology during early childhood could affect long-term outcomes.