Spending more time looking at screens instead of the friends and family at our sides can damage relationships. When children are young, they are developing essential language, behavioural and verbal skills. If parents are more focused on their screens rather than interacting with their children and teens, the results can be delayed speech and gaps in language skills for children. The consequences of too much screen time may even be greater in tweens and teens. Where typical face-to-face interactions and conversations help develop life skills like empathy and sensitivity to others, the constant use of digital communication instead of personal interactions greatly stunts these emotional developments for children. Being aware of how much time is being spent on screens and learning how taking a break for those around you is key to building and maintaining healthy relationships.
- Learn more about how screen time affects the parent-child relationship.