At least that's my interpretation of a new Study. It was prepared by two researchers from the International Psychoanalytic University Berlin.
They wanted to know whether and how it affects babies and toddlers (0 to 3 years) when parents use smartphones in their presence. To this end, the current state of research was analysed using 22 meaningful studies. Specifically, the focus was on the influence of parental use of portable digital devices
1. on the quality of parent-child interaction,
2. on the regulation of the child,
3. on the parent-child relationship and
4. on the social-emotional and cognitive development of the child.
The results were not conclusive and clear on all aspects. There is still a need for further research on many in-depth questions. However, it was proven beyond doubt: When parents concentrate on their smartphone instead of their child in the presence of their child, they react slower and rarer as well as less sensitive and/or respond affirmatively to the child's signals.
In plain language, this means that they do not respond sufficiently to the needs of the little ones. However, they are absolutely dependent on this in order to feel safe and "answered" - the younger the children are, the more they depend on their parents' attention. Therefore: Look at the child rather than at the smartphone! Talk to them rather than into the device. Little ones are constantly exposed to many different sensory impressions, which can repeatedly trigger overwhelming emotions and states of tension in them. It is precisely then, but not only then, that your child will orientate itself towards you, your gestures, facial expressions, voice and speech. From this, they "read" important information, e.g. on the questions: Is everything OK here? What is happening right now? Am I important to you? Am I behaving okay? As an attentive and caring caregiver, you can help your child to deal with this. Your child will then develop ever greater self-regulation skills. This also strengthens your bond and promotes your child's ability to learn.
