What Research Reveals About Screen Time in Kids

In today’s world, parenting and technology are inseparable. Screens are part of everyday life, but growing research shows that screen time in kids has both benefits and risks. The challenge for parents is not simply limiting technology but understanding how it interacts with children’s emotional regulation, developmental needs, and family dynamics.

Social psychology and child development experts are increasingly studying this intersection. Recent studies by Coyne et al. (2021), Emond et al. (2024), and Güzel & Öztürk (2025) provide valuable insights into the challenges of problematic media use in children—especially in early childhood.

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How Temperament Shapes Screen Time Habits

Coyne and colleagues (2021) discovered that young children who struggle with emotional regulation are more likely to use media in unhealthy ways, often as a coping mechanism for stress or negative emotions. This suggests that problematic screen time isn’t just about exposure—it’s deeply tied to child development and family dynamics. Parents may notice that children with big emotions are drawn to screens, not only for entertainment but also as a form of comfort.

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Measuring Problematic Media Use in Preschoolers

Emond et al. (2024) validated the Problematic Media Use Measure (PMUM), which helps identify media-related difficulties in children, such as constant pestering for devices or difficulty with self-control. Higher PMUM scores were linked to increased screen time and lower emotional stability. This tool offers researchers and clinicians a reliable way to identify screen time struggles early—allowing for targeted interventions before habits become deeply ingrained.

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Parenting, ADHD, and Digital Awareness

Children with ADHD face additional challenges when it comes to media use. In a 2025 study, Güzel and Öztürk found that parental digital awareness played a crucial role. Parents who monitored technology use and understood the risks helped reduce problematic patterns. In contrast, low parental involvement was linked to greater difficulties. This highlights that parenting in the digital age is not about eliminating technology but guiding children wisely with structure and awareness.

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Guiding Children Toward Balance and Self-Control

Across these studies, one theme stands out: children thrive when parents offer guidance, structure, and balance. This aligns with long-standing values across many traditions and cultures. Whether described as wisdom, stewardship, or discipline, the message is consistent: children need intentional support to develop healthy habits.

For families of faith, this echoes biblical wisdom about raising children with love and direction (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4). For others, it may connect with broader principles of mindful parenting—helping kids grow in self-control, emotional resilience, and relational awareness. However it is framed, the goal is the same: ensuring technology serves family life rather than dominates it.

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Final Thoughts: Parenting in the Digital Age

The research is clear—screen time in kids is not a simple issue. It is shaped by emotional development, parental involvement, and broader family dynamics. Parents can take practical steps now:

• Stay aware of how your child uses technology.
• Model healthy screen habits.
• Foster balance, self-control, and connection in daily family life.

By approaching digital parenting with both research-informed wisdom and timeless values, parents can guide children toward a healthy, balanced relationship with technology—one that supports their emotional, social, and, for many families, spiritual growth.

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📚 References
Coyne, S. M., Shawcroft, J., Gale, M., Gentile, D. A., Etherington, J. T., Holmgren, H., & Stockdale, L. (2021). Tantrums, toddlers and technology: Temperament, media emotion regulation, and problematic media use in early childhood.Computers in Human Behavior, 120, 106762. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2021.106762

Emond, J. A., Carlson, D., Ballarino, G., & Domoff, S. E. (2024). Validating the Problematic Media Use Measure in Preschool-Aged Children: Associations With Children’s Screen Media Use, Bothersome Pestering to Use Screen Media, and Emotional Self-Regulation. Technology, Mind, and Behavior, 5(3), 10.1037/tmb0000135

Güzel, Y., & Öztürk, M. (2025). The effect of digital parental awareness and somatic symptoms on problematic media use in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 80, e236–e245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2024.12.019