Parents sidetracked by phones: Modern devices are dangerous distractions when used while supervising children, researchers claim
- Researchers observed random parents with children at NY playgrounds
- Phones and tablets were a dangerous distraction for parents, they claimed
- Kids with distracted carers were more likely to engage in risky behaviour
- This included jumping off moving swings or going head-first down slides
Mobile phones and tablet computers are becoming dangerous distractions for parents who are supposed to be supervising their children, researchers claim.
A study found youngsters were more likely to engage in risky behaviour when those looking after them were distracted – with texting or talking on the phone a common cause.
Researchers observed randomly selected parents with children who looked between 18 months and five years old at playgrounds in New York.
Children are more likely to engage in risky behaviour when those looking after them are distracted by texting or talking on the phone, the study showed (file picture)
They measured factors such as the adult’s level of engagement with the child and how distracted they seemed.
The researchers also observed how often the child took risks such as jumping off moving swings or going down a slide head-first.
Children whose carers were distracted were ‘significantly’ more likely to behave in this way.
The researchers also observed how often the child took risks such as jumping off moving swings or going down a slide head-first and found children whose carers were distracted were ‘significantly’ more likely to behave in this way
Electronic devices such as mobile phones were responsible for 30 per cent of all parental distractions.
Three children fell while the researchers were observing them although none was seriously hurt.
Study author Ruth Milanaik, of Cohen Children’s Medical Centre in New York, called on gadget-obsessed parents to keep a closer eye on their offspring, saying: ‘Increased awareness of limiting electronic distractions and other activities that interfere with supervision should be considered.’
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