New study links early childhood tablet use to anger outbursts
CTV
Virtually every parent of young children has experienced outbursts of anger and frustration from their toddlers, and according to a new study, there’s another possible reason for the frequency of their outbursts: tablet use.
Virtually every parent of young children has experienced outbursts of anger and frustration from their toddlers, whether it’s time to get up, go to bed or eat a sandwich without the crusts cut off.
According to a new study, there’s another possible reason for the frequency of their outbursts: tablet use.
The new study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, shows that child tablet use at 3.5 years old was associated with a higher number of expressions of anger and frustration a year later. In addition, children who were more prone to anger and frustration at 4.5 years old were more likely to have higher tablet use a year later (at 5.5 years old). Early childhood tablet use “may contribute to a cycle” of problems in emotional regulation, the authors wrote.
I wanted to get more context on this speaking with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University and previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner. Just as importantly, she is the mother of two young kids.
Dr. Leana Wen: This study was a survey of 315 parents of preschool-aged children from Nova Scotia. The same parents took part in the study when their kids were 3.5 years old (in 2020), 4.5 years old (in 2021) and 5.5 years old (2022). They self-reported tablet use in their kids and then assessed their children’s expression of anger using a standard questionnaire called the Children’s Behavior Questionnaire.
The researchers found an association between tablet use at 3.5 years and an increase in anger and frustration at age 4.5 years. They noted that the association between tablet use and anger was bidirectional, as children whose parents noted a higher anger and frustration level at 4.5 years also had higher tablet use at 5.5 years. That means the effects might go both ways.
It is important to consider that this study occurred during the peak years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers noted this context and the fact that the pandemic introduced higher stress and disruptions to routine. Still, the bidirectional association between tablet use and expression of anger and frustration was significant and should be a warning to parents to be aware of screen time.
