Over the past decade, parents have increasingly turned to digital tablets and devices to manage their children’s tantrums and behavior. While this may offer a quick fix for parents in the moment, relying on screens has been shown to have adverse effects on children’s emotional regulation skills and development.
During the early years of life, children crucially learn how to manage their emotions and respond appropriately to various situations. Central to this learning is the cultivation of self-regulation, which involves making deliberate choices in response to stimuli rather than reacting automatically. This skill, known as effortful control, is heavily influenced by environmental factors, with parents playing a pivotal role in its development.
Recently, there has been a noticeable trend among parents to placate their children by handing them tablets when they exhibit negative behaviors or emotions. This approach aims to distract children from unpleasant situations by engaging them with digital content. While effective in the short term, this strategy undermines children’s ability to learn how to regulate their emotions and manage tantrums independently, creating a reliance on external distractions like tablets.
Research indicates that children between the ages of 2 and 5 who are frequently soothed with digital media exhibit weaker skills in managing frustration and anger. Moreover, children who already struggle with anger management tend to receive more screen time, exacerbating their difficulties in handling emotions.
Experts advise that parents should invest time in teaching their children how to navigate and cope with tantrums constructively, rather than relying on digital devices as a quick fix. Avoiding challenging situations altogether only delays the resolution of underlying issues. Instead, parents are encouraged to confront difficult moments with their children, guiding them through the process of calming down and understanding their emotions.
In summary, while digital devices can offer temporary relief, they should not substitute for the critical parental role in teaching emotional regulation. By actively engaging with their children during moments of distress, parents can help build essential skills that foster long-term emotional resilience and self-control.