Are your screens stealing your child's childhood? The hidden dangers of parental tech use

We live in a world where screens are part of almost everything we do. Phones and laptops help us work, relax, and stay connected through busy days. But as parents, it’s easy to forget that little eyes are watching us all the time.

Children learn from what we do, much more than from what we say. And this includes how, when and how much we use our screens.A digital detox isn’t about guilt or perfection. It’s about slowing down, noticing our habits, and making small, gentle changes that support both our well-being and our children’s emotional and psychological growth, while embracing technology and screens as an inevitable part of our lives.

As technology takes up more space, it can quietly reshape how families connect.

Work messages arrive during meals, school notices pop up throughout the day, and social media offers constant stimulation. For many parents, the screen feels like a lifeline—between responsibilities, planning, and moments of rest.Children may notice when a parent’s attention shifts toward the screen. Even small interruptions—checking a message mid-sentence or glancing at a notification—can make a child feel not heard or less important.

This isn’t intentional; it’s simply the noise of modern living. But over time, it can influence how children express themselves and how secure they feel in their relationship with their parents.

Interactions feel noticeably different depending on the presence of screens. With screens around, attention may be divided, and conversations can feel shorter. Some children may hesitate to share when they sense distraction.

Without screens, play becomes more imaginative, conversations deepen, and even small moments—snuggling, storytelling, building, drawing—feel calmer and more connected. These screen-free pockets help children feel valued, grounded, and confident.

Children form many of their early beliefs by watching how adults behave—how we handle emotions, how we connect with others, and how we comfort ourselves.When a child sees how and when parents use screens, they are likely to start doing the same.

Over time, this can shape how they cope with frustration, boredom, or emotional overwhelm.But when they see adults choosing other activities—reading, stretching, listening to music, pausing to breathe—they learn that there are many other healthy ways to take care of themselves. These moments gently support psychological skills such as:

Modelling doesn’t ask parents to be perfect; only to be present in small, meaningful ways which also bring more safety and depth in the relationships in the family.

However, screens don’t necessarily have to create distance. When used intentionally, they can bring parents and children closer. Co-watching a favourite show, playing a cooperative game, exploring virtual art tools, or learning something new together can turn screens into a shared experience rather than a solitary one. These moments can spark laughter, conversations, creativity, and bonding.For neurodivergent children—who may find communication easier with visual cues, structured games, or predictable digital interactions—shared screen time can create a comfortable and joyful space for connection.

When adults join in instead of standing on the outside, screens become a bridge rather than a barrier.The key is using screens with your child and not just around them.

A digital detox doesn’t mean banning technology. It means choosing how it shows up in your home and life. Some ideas include:

When parents make conscious and mindful choices, children naturally follow. Family time becomes more present. Creativity returns. Emotional closeness grows. Screens become tools for joy and learning rather than escape. When parents slow their scrolling and choose shared moments over isolated ones, children learn that: screens don’t have to replace connection—they can support it when used with intention and love.Dr Sonia Malhotra, Head of Psychiatry Services, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Children First, New Delhi