Toronto: A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that the rise in tablet ownership among young children—growing from 7% in 2013 to 44% in 2020—may correlate with increased emotional outbursts. In the U.S., 93% of parents report their two- to four-year-olds using mobile devices. While tablets engage children with tailored content, they offer limited opportunities to develop crucial emotion regulation skills.

Researchers studied 315 children in Nova Scotia over three years, finding that increased tablet use at age 3.5 significantly predicted greater expressions of anger at age 4.5. Conversely, children who displayed more anger also increased their tablet use by age 5.5. On average, children used tablets for about 55 to 60 minutes daily.

While parents often use screens to manage emotional outbursts, this may lead to a cycle where reliance on tablets hinders children's ability to regulate emotions effectively. The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring tablet use and promoting activities that foster emotional skills, rather than relying on screens as a calming tool. Future research should explore the impact of content and context in children's tablet use.