An ethological approach to young children's behaviour in the digital environment: causes and consequences

The ethological perspective on children’s use of Mobile Touch Screen Devices (MTSDs) is rooted in their natural tendency to form strong social bonds immediately after birth, initially with their parents and later with other members of their social group. This bond is governed and sustained by the attachment system, which is activated early in child development. In modern families, however, children often perceive and interact with MTSDs as potential social partners. Consequently, children may develop an attachment to these devices, partly because they experience reduced parental presence and observe their parents' increasing engagement with MTSDs. Limited experimental evidence suggests that extensive exposure to MTSDs in young children is associated with a decreased ability to process emotional stimuli and alterations in attentional processes. These findings highlight the importance of raising parental awareness about how their behaviour might negatively impact their children's development.