Parenting

Is your phone making you a bad parent?

19 November, 2022 . 0

Screen time limits is common for kids, but what about parents? With guidelines for health and exercise, experts suggest putting a cap on adult phone usage.

After a long day at work, coming home and scrolling through social media or catching up on the latest news on your phone might seem like a harmless way to unwind.

But what kind of an impact does it have on those around you – and especially your children?

Quite a lot, according to new multinational research, which found parents who turn to their screens to relax are more likely to shout at and nag their children than those who wind down away from their devices.

The findings have prompted some experts to call for national guidelines around how much screen time adults should engage with.

“The research found was parents who were sitting there using their phone tended to have more of the behaviours that you would associate with not-so-good parenting – yelling, being grumpy and upset,” UniSA Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity research associate Dr Rosa Virgara told House of Wellness TV.

“So it’s interesting that something that is meant to be helping you relax is actually having the reverse effect.”

Not only that, mounting evidence shows social media is linked to an increase in depression and anxiety.

While there are recommended guidelines around how much screen time children should be exposed to, and physical activity is needed for good health, no such recommendations currently exist around how much time adults should spend on screens.

“We need to know what is actually ok, and at what point does it become damaging?” Dr Virgara says.

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How should parents manage screen time around kids?

Dr Virgara offers some advice on how parents can find a balance between time on their phones and spending quality time with their kids.

Think of screens as snacks

Dr Virgara suggests we look at devices in the same way we enjoy snacks and discretionary foods.

“We know that as part of a healthy diet, we can have a little bit of chocolate each day and that’s okay,” she says.

“But we need to think of our screens in a similar way.”

Question your activity

Being reflective of your actions can inspire you to put down your phone.

“Why is the phone taking attention away from your child and being present with them at that moment?” Dr Virgara asks.

Offer an explanation

Instead of aimlessly scrolling on your phone, share with your kids what you are doing behind the screen.

“Explain to your child ‘I’m just answering an email or this question someone has asked’ as opposed to sitting there and scrolling through your media feed for the day,” Dr Virgara says.

At the end of the day, make sure your phone isn’t detracting from quality time spent with your kids, she says.