Study reveals how Parents' phone use exposes children to inappropriate content
Here’s what the research reveals and how you can take simple steps to protect your kids.
Time has changed the way we live, work, and communicate, with technology becoming an inseparable part of our daily routines. Electronic devices, especially smartphones, have seamlessly integrated into our lives, shaping how we interact, entertain ourselves, and even parent. What was once a world of face-to-face conversations and physical activities has now shifted toward screens, notifications, and constant digital engagement.
With digital devices playing a central role in modern parenting, experts warn that even casual phone use can have unintended consequences.
Parents lack a guide
According to BMC Pediatrics, the group that realized the investigation, they wanted to study this particular age group because "there’s a lack of research to guide parents of young adolescents on media use". The lead study author Dr. Jason Nagata highlights that while the American Academy of Pediatrics provides general recommendations for minors from 5 to 18; young teenagers are at a distinct phase of development. "They’re not little kids anymore, but they’re also not fully independent teens" he says.
Nagata and fellow researchers examined data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, which included over 10,000 adolescents aged 12 to 13.
Parents completed a 14-item questionnaire, rating their agreement with statements like, “I try to limit my screen use when I am with my child,” on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 4 (strongly agree).
It is important to adjust their limits as they grow up. Photo: Freepik
Adolescents also reported their exposure to mature content by answering two questions: “How often do you watch R-rated movies?” and “How often do you play mature-rated video games?” using a scale from 0 (never) to 3 (all the time).
The study found that for each unit increase in parental screen use—measured on the 1 to 4 scale—children were 11% more likely to engage with both mature-rated video games and R-rated movies. It also found that frequent screen use during meals and excessive bedroom screen time among adolescents were strongly linked to greater exposure to mature content.
Ways for parents to reduce screen time
For parents unsure about managing their child’s screen time, a great first step is setting an example with their own device use. Children often imitate their parents, so if adults frequently check their phones, teens are likely to adopt the same habit.
- Practice what you preach: If there’s a family rule against texting at the dinner table, parents should stick to it as well.
- Be mindful of your own phone use around your children: Is it purposeful or just aimless scrolling?
- Try to use their devices while their kids are at school or asleep: It is not always easy, but try to prioritize family time when you can.
- Adjust screen-time rules as children grow: That may include reassessing what content is appropriate, which devices are used and how much time is spent on screens.