Gaby
A new study from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa reveals that mothers who spend more time on social media engage in conversations with their children significantly less than those who are less interested in social networks.
What Did the Researchers Discover?
The study involved 65 children aged 2 to 5 years, along with their mothers, as reported by Liz Robinson, a doctoral student at the university and the lead author of the research.
According to the findings, mothers who typically spent a lot of time on social media communicated with their children 29 percent less during playtime (without phones) compared to mothers who rarely visited social media platforms.
Robinson clarified that mothers in the first group spent an average of 169 minutes per day on social media, while those in the second group spent only 21 minutes a day.
Although these social media-loving moms were physically present with their children, researchers suggested that their minds might have been “somewhere else.”
“Often, our thoughts are focused on activities that are inherently more enjoyable for us, and we know that for many people, engaging on social media is one of those activities,” noted Kris Perry, executive director of Children and Screens, a nonprofit organization that helps children lead healthy digital lives.
Fortunately, scientists have insights on how to ensure that social media use doesn’t interfere with parenting, CNN reports.
Talk to Your Kids, Even as They Grow Older
This “timeless” advice remains effective: to find common ground with your child, you need to talk to them as often as possible. The warmth and strength of these connections in the future largely depend on how well the child listened to their parents’ words from birth until they turn 18 and embark on their own journey through life. According to Perry, this communication fosters brain development, enhances academic performance, and improves language and communication skills.
Interaction with parents also teaches children how to prioritize. “Children are acutely aware of where their parents direct their attention and take note of it. So when our gaze is constantly fixed on a device, like a smartphone, we are essentially signaling to our children what is currently most important to us,” explained Robinson.
Always Make Time for Your Kids Throughout the Day
Researchers also advised moms and dads to set aside specific times during the day for communication with their children. During these moments (or hours), nothing should interfere with that connection.
One might think to themselves: “Even though I have a lot to do today, I can give my child my full attention for the next 15 minutes. This time is very important for my child.”
And Finally, Spend Less Time on Social Media
“Reduce the time you typically spend on social media to decrease the likelihood of insufficient communication with your child,” advised Perry.
The team believes a similar study should be conducted involving fathers as well. After all, they too need to manage their social media use to foster close and open relationships with their children.
