Smartphone Use in the Presence of Infants and Young Children: A Systematic Review

Abstract

In previous years, concerns have been repeatedly raised regarding the impact of parental use of smartphones and other portable digital devices (PDD) in the presence of infants and young children on children’s development. Recently, this topic gained more attention by researchers. Therefore, this review aimed at answering the following questions based on the current state of research: How does parental use of PDD in the presence of their 0-3-year-old child affect the quality of the parent-child interaction and relationship, their child's affective and physiological regulation as well as social-emotional and cognitive development? The literature search of six databases based on previously established criteria resulted in 22 articles. The results suggest that parents are less sensitive and responsive towards their children while using PDD. Furthermore, negative effects on children's affect and physiological regulation during parental device use were reported, which appear not to persist beyond the period of use. Moreover, parental technoference in everyday life might affect the parent-child relationship, although respective findings are inconsistent. Furthermore, parental technoference appears to be associated with impaired child learning. Further research is needed to determine the extent of parental use and specific patterns of use leading to lasting negative consequences for child development.