Why it’s not a good idea to use cellphones and tablets “to calm down” small children

In 10 seconds? Researchers have found that the frequent use of mobile devices by toddlers and smaller children can hinder their ability to learn how to regulate their emotions and what specialists call executive functioning – behaviors that help us achieve goals.

What’s the story? A team at the University of Michigan recently published a study, which found that the use of mobile devices to calm young children ages 3-5 was associated with issues with executive functioning (the ability to control impulses and usage of memories for decision-making) and emotional regulation (the amount of emotional reactivity and ability to calm oneself when upset). This was especially the case with young boys, leading them for example to mood swings and increased impulsiveness.