New research published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Psychology has found that parents' attachment to their smartphones can exacerbate anxiety and insecurity in children and teens. The study, titled 'Mommy, do you love your phone more than me?', surveyed 600 young people in the US aged 12 to 17, revealing that adolescents often feel 'devalued, dismissed, or unimportant' when parents ignore them in favor of phones.
What is 'phubbing'?
The term 'phubbing'—a blend of 'phone' and 'snubbing'—was coined several years ago to describe the act of ignoring one's social surroundings to focus on a mobile device. The new research highlights the long-term negative effects of this behavior when directed at children. According to the study, parental attention to screens during bids for connection leaves teens feeling rejected.
Growing body of evidence
Since the iPhone debuted in 2007, smartphones have become ubiquitous, with 98% of US adults now owning one, according to Pew Research. While research into smartphone use is still emerging, a scientific consensus points to negative effects, especially on children. Teens are particularly prone to compulsive phone and social media use, with thousands of lawsuits alleging that apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are designed to be addictive and harmful to kids.
However, the impact of parents' own device attachment has been less studied until now. The Frontiers in Psychology study adds to a handful of similar findings: a 2023 study in China linked parental phone attachment to increased screen addiction in children, and a 2024 study in the Journal of Pediatrics found that parental 'phubbing' leads to distant relationships, with children more prone to whining, sulking, and temper tantrums.
Long-term consequences
Don Grant, lead author of the new study, told Bloomberg that a parent's phone use can cause 'insecure attachment' in children, leading to lower self-esteem and lack of confidence. 'It could really unfavorably impact their attachment security, which they will carry for life,' Grant said.
The study's authors acknowledge that not all phone-distracted parents will produce insecure children; rather, the research is meant to highlight adolescents' perceptions of parental attention. The findings underscore the importance of mindful device use around children to foster healthy emotional development.
