Stress and anxiety can cause physical symptoms, including a racing heart, stomach discomfort...
Smartphones make it easier than ever to work, communicate and stay connected. But for parents, constant phone use can also make it challenging to find a healthy balance between being digitally connected and emotionally present with your children.
How your phone habits can affect your child
A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology examined the experiences of 600 U.S. adolescents ages 12 to 17 and found that young people who perceived their parents as frequently distracted by screens reported feeling dismissed, unimportant or devalued. The researchers found an association between parental screen attachment and greater anxiety and insecurity in children and teens.
While research does not show that a parent’s phone use directly causes anxiety, frequent interruptions may influence how children perceive those moments of connection.
Why attention matters
Children and adolescents rely on caregivers for connection, reassurance and emotional support. When a child is talking, asking a question or trying to get a parent's attention, seeing their parent looking at a phone can make them feel overlooked.
Research into parental phone use is still developing. However, other studies have also linked parents' smartphone habits with changes in family relationships and children's own technology use.
“Healthy technology habits are something the entire family can build together,” said Lauren Willis, EdS, LPC, LCADC, Psychologist at Inspira Health. “Creating regular opportunities to put devices aside, spend time together, and engage in meaningful activities can help children learn that technology is just one part of a healthy, connected life.”
Your phone habits can set an example
Children learn from what they see. If they regularly see parents checking notifications, scrolling social media or responding to messages during family time, they may come to view constant connectivity as normal.
This doesn't mean parents need to eliminate phones entirely. Instead, creating predictable boundaries can help children understand that technology has a place and that relationships deserve attention, too.
Small changes can make it easier to stay present. Consider putting phones away during meals, family conversations or other activities when you're spending time together. You can also turn off nonessential notifications or keep your phone out of reach when you're talking with your child.
Parents can also help create healthy boundaries by discussing phone use with children and teens and explaining when and why phones should be used for certain tasks.
“Parents can set their own healthy boundaries with technology while still meeting the demands of everyday life,” said Willis. “Being intentional about when we use our phones and when we put them down helps create balance and protects meaningful time with our children.”
Know when your child may need support
Anxiety can look different from child to child. Common symptoms to watch out for include:
- Irritability
- Changes in sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Withdrawal
- Changes in mood
These are signs that a child may be struggling with anxiety. Persistent symptoms that interfere with school, relationships or everyday activities are worth discussing with a pediatrician or behavioral health professional.
“Parents can use their phones while still being present and connected with their children,” said Willis. “Instead, consider your family’s digital habits as an opportunity to model balance. Putting the phone down, making eye contact, and giving your child your full attention can be simple ways to strengthen connection, one conversation at a time.”
