Can parents ‘harm’ their children? Consciously, probably not. But modern parenting habits sometimes resemble subtle 'hostility' toward children, experts warn.

A common practice in many households today is handing children a mobile phone to keep them quiet during meals or to make feeding easier. While this may seem like a simple solution, specialists caution that it can cause deep, long-lasting harm.

The early years of a child’s life - when the brain, language skills, and emotional system are rapidly developing - are critical. If much of this period is spent in front of screens, the effects can last for years.

On the surface, screens seem to calm children: they eat quietly and parents get a moment of relief. However, this temporary quiet comes at a cost, stunting the child’s natural learning abilities.

When a child uses a mobile device during meals, attention shifts away from food, taste, and body cues. As a result, children fail to recognize hunger and cannot develop a healthy relationship with food.

Hidden Dangers of Screen Habits

Experts say the most dangerous aspect of screen overuse is that its negative effects are not immediately visible. Gradually, children’s speech development, attention span, sleep quality, and emotional balance begin to suffer. By the time parents notice, the habit has often become deeply ingrained. Some children also experience vision problems, weight gain, or increased anxiety at an early age.

Pediatric specialists stress that the first two years of life lay the foundation for a lifetime. During this period, neural connections form in the brain that shape learning, behavior, and emotional control. Excessive screen time can limit language acquisition and social skills, while irregular sleep and eating patterns may hinder cognitive development.

Psychologists note that parents often resort to screens out of necessity. In many households, women bear the majority of childcare responsibilities, even if they are employed. Busy schedules, lack of support, and small family units make screens an immediate solution to manage children and reduce mental fatigue.

The Role of Family and Environment

Some household experiences support this reality. In the past, when extended family members were present, children engaged in walks, religious activities, and other shared tasks. Without such support, managing children alone has become difficult, and screens have gradually become a regular part of daily life.

Parents who rely on videos to entertain their children often report that the method initially reduces tantrums and restlessness. However, over time, these practices can have negative effects.

Impact on Sleep, Growth, and Eating Habits

Continuous screen exposure disrupts children’s sleep, which affects physical growth and hunger-related hormones. Using screens during meals can also lead to unhealthy dietary habits later in life. Experts emphasize that children need more than entertainment—they require full parental attention, proper sleep, and physical activity.

Gradual Reduction and Alternatives

For children already accustomed to screens, specialists recommend gradually reducing usage. Each week, screen time can be cut and replaced with conversation, play, or joint activities. Creating a “boredom kit” containing coloring supplies, paper, toys, puzzles, and simple musical instruments can keep children engaged without screens.

Experts warn that when screens replace parental attention, conversation, and emotional connection, they become a silent yet profound threat to children’s mental, physical, and emotional health. No device can substitute for genuine parental love and the time spent together.