Parents are constantly responding to their children’s emotions. It’s easy for them to turn to technology to help soothe their child when they’re upset or can’t calm down. So, what effect does technology have on child development? Is it okay for parents to turn to screen time?

Children can develop executive functions or processes for self-regulation. The only caveat is these functions must be learned through relationships and experiences. Unfortunately, media use immediately negatively impacts a child’s developing executive functioning and emotional reactivity. However, there’s research that supports the idea that only emotional reactivity is affected in the long term.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends less than one hour per day of media use for children 2-5. They also advise that children co-use educational media with parents. Co-using educational media with parents has been proven to improve levels of executive functioning in children. 

Aside from technology, many alternative calming methods can be used to help children regulate their emotions. The use of sensory toys, coloring, and playing calming music are all recommended. It is additionally recommended to help children identify their emotions and talk about them. This will help children create a habit of recognizing their emotions and learning how they make them feel.

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Emma Dineen

Research Assistant, UConn KIDS

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