A study suggests that parents who spend too much time on their smartphones are more likely to be poor parents.

Researchers discovered that those living with a difficult family frequently turned to social media as a means of relaxation; however, this merely increased their tendency to nag and yell.

They surveyed 549 parents with at least two children aged five to nineteen regarding their usage of digital media, mental health, and parenting techniques.

The study indicated that when parents utilized social media to spend less time with their families, their parenting skills deteriorated.

It was also discovered that such negative parenting behaviors, such as “nagging or yelling,” were more likely to grow when “technology interrupted family interactions.”

A vicious cycle was developed in which parents with greater stress levels were more inclined to use electronic gadgets to unwind.

However, not all social media use by parents was detrimental, as researchers discovered that maintaining friendships could reduce anxiety and despair.

It also led to ‘positive parenting approaches, such as listening to their children’s ideas and praising their accomplishments.

The study’s lead author, Jasmine Zhang of the University of Waterloo in Canada, told the journal Computers in Human Behaviour, ‘All family members are important when attempting to comprehend families in a technologically advanced society.

Not only children frequently use electronic devices. Parents utilize digital media for a variety of reasons, and these behaviors might affect their children.

The study was conducted at the beginning of the pandemic.

Dillon Browne, a coworker of Miss Zhang, stated, “The family media landscape continues to expand and gain prominence.”

Future research must explore the complexities of digital media, as some behaviors are associated with well-being and others with distress.

In 2018, a survey indicated that 46% of mothers and fathers were smartphone addicts.

Common Sense Media examined screen time addiction among British adolescents aged 13 to 17 and their parents.

Half of both kids and parents reported being distracted at least once a day by their mobile devices, with screen time conflicts being the third most prevalent source of conflict between them.

Yet 86% of parents reported that their teen’s usage of a mobile device did not impair or even improve their connection, while 97% of teens reported the same about their parents’ mobile use.