A new study shows parents use media, like their phones and tablets, more than their children during mealtime. The latest data published in JAMA Pediatrics shows how such device usage may potentially affect socialization among family members.
The study gathered information from over 350 parents with children ages 4 to 10 years old. Researchers measured mealtime media usage by having parents report whether they or their children used specific devices.
They also gathered data on times when both parents and children were using a device.
Cecilia Sada Garibay is a researcher with the University of Arizona.
“More than three-fourths of all parents are using media or reported using media in their last family meal time, while a little bit more than two-thirds of children reported that also — using some kind of media," she said.
The study found that cultural differences may play a role in device usage. The study showed Black parents are associated with paired media use, while Asian parents are linked to more individual uses.
Sada Garibay says families can still partake in media together such as watching the television as a whole. However, she says media use can still interfere with interpersonal relationships.
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