Naturalistic Observations of Caregiver – Child Dyad Mobile Device Use

Parental mobile device use during parent–child interactions has become increasingly common and has been linked to a reduction in parental sensitivity. This study extends previous research in two ways: first it explores the relationship between independent and joint caregiver device use and a wide range of attachment behaviors; second, it acknowledges the bidirectional nature of attachment relationships by evaluating how young children behave throughout individual and joint use. Sixty-six naturalistic, nonparticipant observations were conducted with caregiver–child dyads in Australian malls in 2018. Children aged 12-years-old and under were eligible for observation. Fifty-four caregivers utilized a mobile device independently, and three caregivers jointly used a device with children. Caregivers who used devices joined in play, initiated conversations, and responded to attentional bids less often than non-device using caregivers. During device use, four caregivers were inattentive when children engaged in risky situations which may have caused injury and four caregivers spoke to or interacted harshly with children. When caregivers used devices, children either continued their activity, sought caregiver interaction, or demonstrated escalated bids for attention. In response to joint device use, children remained engaged with the device and failed to interact with the caregiver. This research may be useful for parents, or healthcare providers working with parents, to assist them in making conscious decisions about device use. This research also suggests that parental device use guidelines may be valuable. Highlights Fifty-four of 66 caregivers used mobile devices in Australian playgrounds and food malls. Device using caregivers joined play, began conversations and responded to children less often than non-device using caregivers. Four device using caregivers were unresponsive when their children were in risky situations. During caregiver device use, children either continued their activities, sought attention or escalated their attentional bids.