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Screen time hinders children's emotional growth, warns psychologist

Feb 4, 2026, 12:25 PM10
(Update: Feb 4, 2026, 12:25 PM)
British astrophysicist

Screen time hinders children's emotional growth, warns psychologist

  • Rebecca Kennedy highlights that screens provide instant gratification, hindering children's ability to handle difficult situations.
  • Modern parenting is increasingly challenging due to the hectic lifestyle and pressures faced by parents today.
  • Encouraging creativity and patience in children requires intentional engagement from parents rather than quick fixes.
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In recent discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, American clinical psychologist Rebecca Kennedy, widely known as Dr. Becky, addressed the increasing reliance on screens by busy parents as a means of managing their children’s behavior. She emphasized that this practice can significantly impede children's ability to deal with frustrating situations, as screens provide instant gratification without requiring effort. Dr. Becky highlighted that the pressures of modern living make parenting exceptionally difficult, as parents struggle to provide their children with the skills necessary for emotional resilience in an increasingly hectic world. Dr. Becky criticized the societal perception that parenting comes naturally and pointed out that effective parenting requires learned skills rather than an inherent "maternal instinct." She acknowledged the challenges parents face in setting good examples regarding phone usage, especially when they are trying to juggle work responsibilities from home. This situation is compounded by the need for young children to sit still, which may not be developmentally appropriate. According to her, many parents resort to quick fixes, such as screen time, to keep children occupied, inadvertently preparing them for future struggles. Dr. Becky encouraged parents to carve out intentional time to engage with their children without the distraction of phones, arguing that these moments are crucial for emotional development. Instead of using screens as a babysitting tool in various settings like restaurants or during travel, she suggested that parents create opportunities to teach their children how to manage waiting and frustration. By guiding children in these moments, parents can help them develop patience and creativity, essential qualities for emotional success later in life. Amidst her calls for improved social media regulations and parental boundaries, Dr. Becky expressed hope that with adequate support and resources, the daunting task of parenting could become less overwhelming for new parents. This perspective challenges current discourses around screen time and its perceived threat to parenting, suggesting that enhanced skills and support could lead to a more positive outlook on the parenthood journey, making it a more attractive option for individuals considering children.

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