Early tablet use contributes to toddler anger outbursts – study

A recent study published in the JAMA Pediatrics journal indicates that children are more likely to burst into anger due to early tablet use. 

Children aged roughly three and a half years who frequently used tablets were more likely to express anger and frustration. Also, 4.5-year-olds who were prone to anger and frustration were more likely to use tablets frequently after a year. 

The findings indicate that early childhood tablet use may prevent children from regulating their emotions properly. 

Control tablet use, control emotions

University of Sherbrook education professor Caroline Fitzpatrick and her team led this study regarding early childhood emotional regulation and tablet use. 

Their study explained that there are only a few studies that associate toddler tablet use with self-regulation skills. Consequently, the researchers studied 315 parents of preschool-aged children from Nova Scotia and Canada. 

They started examining their kids at ages 3.5 in 2020, 4.5 in 2021, and 5.5 in 2022. As mentioned, the findings show that children who use tablets frequently tend to show signs of anger and frustration.

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CNN spoke with wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen to discuss the childhood tablet use study. She is an emergency physician at George Washington University. 

“I think the new JAMA Pediatrics study illustrates that tablets, smartphones, and other electronics shouldn’t be used as pacifiers,” Wen said.

“They shouldn’t be given to kids when they are crying and upset to try to calm them down,” she continued.

“They shouldn’t be used as a babysitter that takes the place of an adult interacting with the child.”

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She emphasized that children learn through active social engagement with others. However, Wen recommends regulating tablet use instead of eliminating it. 

She says she lets her four and seven-year-old kids watch an hour of a movie on a smart device. Moreover, Wen states some apps can aid in learning.

The George Washington University physician recommends the following ways for letting kids play with tablets: 

1. Delay smartphone and social media use for as long as possible.
2. Parents should not resort to gadgets to stop tantrums. These are normal for child development, and parents worried about their kids’ outbursts should consult a doctor. 
3. Speak with kids regarding the impact of social media. 
4. Set limits, such as no phones during bedtime or lunch.