The two-year study sought to understand the potential effects of using tablets and smartphones to calm children when upset. It was conducted with more than 300 parents and children between the ages of two and five. Senior author Professor Caroline Fitzpatrick, a researcher at the University of Sherbrooke, Canada, said, “Children are fascinated by digital content, so this is an easy way to stop tantrums, and it is very effective in the short term.
” Most Read on Euro Weekly News However, the researchers suspected this strategy could have potential long-term implications that parents should be aware of. She continued, “If people’s awareness about digital devices being inappropriate tools for curing tantrums increases, children’s mental health and well-being will profit.” Are electronic devices good for children? According to the findings, handing a mobile phone or tablet to a child when they throw a tantrum can harm their ability to manage their emotions.
The study revealed that the more regularly a parent used digital devices to calm a child, the worse their anger and frustration management skills a year later. Dr Veronika Konok, the study’s first author and a researcher at Eotvos Lorand University in Hungary, said, “Tantrums cannot be cured by digital devices. Children need to learn how to manage their negative emotions for themselves.
” The findings of the study published in also found that poorer anger management skills led to children being given digital de.