16/06/2025
Technoference: When Our Screens Come Between Us and Our Children
It’s easy to glance at your phone during mealtimes, playtime, or even while your child tells you a story. But, frequent phone use around young children, known as technoference, can affect their emotional and developmental well-being more than we realise.
A recent study reviewing over 14,000 children under age 5 found that higher levels of technoference were linked to:
- More emotional and behavioural difficulties (such as anxiety, tantrums, or mood changes)
- Weaker learning and thinking skills
- Less secure attachment between parent and child
- Lower levels of kindness and cooperation in children
- Increased screen time in children themselves
💬 Why does this happen?
When screens interrupt or distract us, our responses to our children may become brief, delayed, or disengaged. Over time, this may lead children to feel unheard and seek comfort from screens themselves.
✨ Here’s how you can reduce technoference at home:
- Create tech-free moments during meals, bedtime, and play.
- Keep phones on silent or out of sight during quality time.
- Let your child know when you’ll be back if you need to take a call.
- Be present—your child notices even the small moments.
👶 Presence matters more than perfection. Reducing technoference builds emotional safety, trust, and strong family bonds.
Reference:
Toledo-Vargas, M., Chong, K. H., Maddren, C. I., Howard, S. J., Wakefield, B., & Okely, A. D. (2025). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.0682
