Screens can soothe children, but at what cost to their development?

Children's screen use is not simply a cause of emotional problems, but a complex process shaped by how digital devices are used, parental modelling, and social interaction, according to a clinical psychologist. The article argues that excessive reliance on screens to pacify children may displace opportunities to learn adaptive coping strategies like tolerating frustration. It cites psychological theories, noting children may imitate adults who use phones to manage stress, and that screens can reduce interpersonal interactions crucial for emotional development. The author concludes the central question is not just how much screen time a child has, but what psychological function it serves. A healthy approach considers whether technology complements or displaces opportunities for social interaction, play, and developing independent self-regulation skills.