Avoiding screens for children under three, delaying smartphone use as long as possible, and clearly communicating the risks of early exposure are common parental concerns when addressing how kids connect to the Internet and mobile devices.
Experts advise that the first contact with digital devices should ideally come after age three. Dr. Keren Kuzgun, a professor of Evolutionary Psychology and Social Education and Methodology at Jaume I University in Castellón, explains that early years are a period for building real-world relationships and foundational learning. She notes that diverting a child’s attention with a phone can deprive them of crucial experiences in visual learning and language development. This early digital distraction may hinder the natural growth of communication skills and social interaction that children need as they explore the world around them.
Cuervo describes mobile phones as potentially addictive tools for young children. While calm reassurance through a screen can provide temporary relief, it often masks underlying developmental costs. One notable consequence is language delay, which can arise when face-to-face interactions and social play are replaced with digital engagement, reducing opportunities for learning through communication with others.
According to the Jaume I expert, excessive phone use in children can trigger additional side effects. The behavior may contribute to frustration, shortened attention spans, and difficulties sustaining concentration. Children accustomed to rapid, breezy stimulation can find slower, teacher-guided instruction in a classroom setting less engaging, leading to disengagement and boredom that ripple through learning experiences.
violent reactions
Medium-term risks linked to using phones to soothe young kids include social isolation, rising concerns about weight, reduced attention, and challenges in emotional regulation. Over time, some families notice a correlation between permissive parenting attitudes toward device use and later aggressive responses from children toward parents. These patterns underscore the importance of setting boundaries that protect healthy development and family dynamics.
During childhood, ordinary activities like playing, going outdoors, running, drawing, and reading help children build concentration and a range of skills that digital overuse can erode. Boredom, far from being harmful, can be a productive catalyst for self-discovery. When a child experiences boredom, they begin to understand their preferences, emotions, and strengths, which paves the way for authentic growth and self-regulation.
Practical guidance suggests combining age-appropriate device use with clear limits. Parents can reserve technology for specific moments, such as video calls with family or completing homework, while prioritizing offline activities for most of the day. A measured approach can help children learn to manage boundaries and appreciate a diverse array of experiences beyond screens.
Regarding potential benefits, there are noted advantages in certain contexts, such as faster information processing when children interact with digital media. However, these gains are typically outweighed by drawbacks in younger ages, especially without guided instruction and balanced routines. The key is to teach children how to use mobile devices and apps thoughtfully, without rushing the learning process or substituting real-world experiences with screens.
The overarching message is that parents and caregivers should guide early digital exposure with intention. Start with selective, supervised use and gradually introduce more independent activities as children grow. The goal is to support cognitive development, social skills, and emotional regulation while preserving opportunities for imaginative play, physical activity, and meaningful interpersonal connections. In this way, a child’s early years can stay rich with learning, curiosity, and healthy, well-rounded development.