For many parents, giving an upset child a smartphone or tablet to calm them down is second nature.
But new research suggests frequently using these devices to soothe children may be linked with worse behavior challenges in the future.
Writing in JAMA Pediatrics, researchers explained an increased use of devices was associated with heightened emotional reactivity after three and six months of follow-up, particularly among boys. The association was also strong among children who already experienced hyperactivity, impulsiveness or a strong temperament.
Although using devices occasionally to occupy children can be hard to avoid, problems may arise when they’re employed as a primary or regular soothing tool, researchers said.
