Too young to scroll? Guidance for parents on smartphone usage in younger children

Too young to scroll? Guidance for parents on smartphone usage in younger children

Smartphones are a great way to have quick connections and fast access to information. However, a new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that children under 13 who own a smartphone are more susceptible than those who don't to serious health impacts such as depression, obesity and insufficient sleep. As children grow in this digital age, Emplify Health provides guidance and support to parents.

"Child and adolescent brains are still developing and can be impacted by outside sources such as smartphones, said Rhonda Bryhn, Psychotherapist with Emplify Health by Gundersen. "Many kids have not yet developed the self-regulation skills that would help them make good choices about their smartphone use. For example, their use of smartphones that were originally given to them for purposes of communication with caregivers and safety may drift into other uses during the day and even night."

Bryhn also states that even though studies have not yet defined the exact ways in which smartphone use leads to health problems, there is evidence that smartphone use with children and young adolescents, especially problematic use, does contribute to poorer mental and physical health outcomes.

"Younger children typically lack the developmental maturity to understand, process, and appropriately respond to a lot of the content they encounter online," adds Bryhn. "This makes them more vulnerable to cyberbullying, unrealistic comparisons to others, and inappropriate and unsafe content."

To help parents navigate smartphone use for their younger children, Emplify Health experts recommend the following:

1. Delay smartphone ownership. Postpone giving your children a smartphone for as long as you can. If a mobile phone is necessary to stay connected to your child, consider a "dumb," or basic, feature phone. Many wireless providers offer phones that do not have internet access but still allow calling and texting.
2. Establish clear boundaries. Work collaboratively with your child to set healthy and clear boundaries around usage of smartphones and other technology. This can include screen-free zones or specific time limits for when they can use their device. A good rule is to set a "no screens" time of at least one hour before bedtime to improve sleep quality. As much as possible, rules should be in place for everyone in the family (including parents)!
3. Create an open communication environment. Make sure your kids feel comfortable and safe discussing smartphone usage or issues. Having honest conversations around the apps they use, who they are communicating with, and what they are seeing can help ensure a safe experience online and with their devices. Have regular check-ins to make sure everyone is up to date on their digital habits. Make it clear that if your child gets into a bad situation online, they can and should come talk to you about it. Stay calm when they bring situations up to increase the likelihood they will continue to do so.
4. Be a model for healthy digital habits. Assign rules to yourself to set a good example of digital usage for your child. Children mirror behavior from adults, and by demonstrating healthy screen habits, you can help them make better digital decisions. Prioritize face-to-face interactions and being fully present.
5. Encourage offline activities. Promote hobbies and physical activities that get kids away from screens. Reading, sports, crafts and community events are great ways to connect with others while allowing your child to develop interests, talents and skillsets.

"Rules and expectations around screen use, including smartphones, are a predominant topic in my practice," adds Emplify Health Pediatric Psychologist Dr. Tiffany Born. "Discussing these topics early and setting boundaries before there is an issue will help establish healthier habits early and maintain open and honest conversations."

Navigating the digital landscape for any parent, regardless of their child's age, isn't something they need to do on their own. Parents are encouraged to reach out to their child's pediatrician or even their own primary care provider for guidance on screen time, smartphone usage or other mental health-related issues.

For more information about supporting children's development in the digital age, parents may visit bellin.org or gundersenhealth.org to find a provider.