The hidden cost of using screens to calm your child

Society · Published 8 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Using a tablet to soothe a restless toddler might provide temporary silence, but it can create a cycle of behavioral challenges. Research suggests that using digital media as a calming tool can actually make transitions harder and lead to more frequent tantrums when the device is removed.

Research funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) highlights a concerning trend in how parents use technology to manage behavior. While digital media is ubiquitous, using a smartphone or tablet specifically to calm a child can be counterproductive. Studies indicate that when parents employ these devices for sedation, children find it significantly harder to transition smoothly to the next activity compared to children who were energetic before engaging with the media. The federal government allocated $15 million in the 2023 budget to study these effects. Research also suggests that postpartum depression can increase the risk of problematic media use for both parents and children.

The mechanics of this behavior are linked to the nature of the input. High levels of visual stimulation from screens can make it difficult for children to attend to actual people. Furthermore, using a device to calm an infant may exacerbate tantrums once the screen is taken away. In contrast, toddlers who engage with digital media while already energetic tend to transition away from the device with less difficulty. Children who are exposed to screens by 6 months of age are more likely to come from families with lower education levels. These devices provide a high volume of visual input that can distract from human interaction.

The impact of these habits is often compounded by environmental factors. For instance, screen use is frequently observed during meals, at bedtime, or while waiting. When these habits are established, children may begin to associate specific environments—like a restaurant—exclusively with technology, potentially hindering their ability to engage in face-to-face conversation. Experts emphasize that while short bursts of educational media (ten to twenty minutes) can be beneficial, the primary drivers of development remain experience, observation, and peer interaction. Toddlers often experience more tantrums after using a tablet than after looking at a print book. Parents also learn from their children by modeling their own phone habits. Children develop social skills primarily through doing things with peers.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• Are screens actually ruining childhood? A new perspective on digital play.
• Can digital tools bridge the communication gap for children with autism?
• Joy, Not Restriction, Is the Key to Escaping Screen Dependence
• Why our ultrasocial nature makes the digital takeover of childhood so dangerous
• Is the digital revolution helping or hindering the development of today's children?
• Why military reunions are often the most difficult phase of a family's deployment cycle
• Why children's imaginary worlds are powerful tools for learning
• The delicate art of bottling: why precision matters for beer and babies alike
• Could a simple game of peek-a-boo change a child's entire future?
• The physics of the perfect feed: balancing safety and bonding
• Why an Australian children's cartoon is capturing the hearts of adults
• Why an autism diagnosis is a tool for support rather than a life sentence

More in Family life · More in Society · Latest · A–Z · All topics