The study observed 100 mother-child pairs as they interacted during a brief play period and then conducted a survey of mother’s technology use and assessments of the child’s cognitive, social, and behavioral development. This study began in the Fall of 2019 and was completed in the Fall.
Dr. Jason Scofield, an Associate Professor of Human Development & Family Studies at the University of Alabama’s Child Development Research Center spearheaded this study. Dr. Scofield was fascinated by the findings of how smartphone use can negatively affect a child’s social and cognitive development.
“Most people recognize that smartphones occupy increasingly more of our time and attention, but it was eye-opening to see the actual numbers. It made it easy to understand why we found that most moms were worried about how much they used their smartphone and said that it often interrupted the moments they had with their child,” he said.
On the survey, 98% of mothers said that conversations or activities with their child are interrupted at least twice a day by their devices. In fact, 1 in 4 mothers said their devices interrupt conversations or activities with their child over 10 times per day.
“We all know technology is a fact of life, but do we realize its impact on the development of our children when we spend an enormous amount of time on smart devices and how that impacts our kids’ cognitive development? The report’s findings serve to educate, inform, and make recommendations so that women ensure their child is developing socially and cognitively and for us to limit our technology so that this does not occur,” shared Anita L. Archie, an Emeritus Board member for the Alabama Women’s Commission.
The research findings show that mothers should consider limiting their smartphone when possible. Some suggestions to help mothers and caregivers reduce screentime are silencing the phone and providing a designated spot to keep it while interacting with their child, agreeing that only one parent can be on the phone at a time, or assigning times to check notifications or texts, so a mother’s time with her child isn’t interrupted.
Also, consider taking advantage of apps or functions on smartphones designated for reducing screen time. Smartphones have the capacity to track and help manage screentime through apps like RescueTime, Apple’s Screen Time, Google Digital Wellbeing, and more!
About Alabama Women’s Commission
The Alabama Women’s Commission, established in 1971, by Act of the Alabama Legislature, is a continuing vehicle for the determination of effective policy and legislation in areas affecting Alabama’s women. The commission is composed of three members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House; two members of the Senate, appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate; and 10 members appointed by the Governor.
The purpose of the Commission, as provided in 41-9-413, Code of Alabama 1975, is to improve and advance the lives of women in the State of Alabama. The Commission may study, make recommendations, educate, and promote constructive action on issues related to women which should include, but are not limited to, the following: economic development, education, employment, health, legal rights, political participation, and the quality of individual and family life.