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Parents Warned About ‘Phubbing’ In Front Of Their Kids
Parents have been issued a warning about the effects of ‘phubbing’ in front of their children.
There’s a stark warning about a growing behavioral trend that experts say may have unintended emotional consequences for children.
Although modern life can feel frantically busy, researchers now suggest that certain everyday habits many adults don’t think twice about may be leaving young people feeling overlooked or unimportant.
Specialists say it’s worth examining how these interactions affect the emotional well-being of children who rely heavily on their parents for connection, communication, and reassurance.
According to emerging research, when children perceive that they are being ignored or pushed to the side, even briefly, it can shape how they view themselves and their relationship with the world around them.
These feelings, when repeated or left unaddressed, may contribute to increased anxiety, sadness, or withdrawal.
Experts have issued a warning to parents about the effects of ‘phubbing’ which may be leaving young children feeling ‘rejected and dismissed.’
According to research, children who feel they’re being ignored are more likely to experience feelings of depression or anxiety.
Studies about phubbing
Psychologist Mary Alvord, co-author of ‘Conquer Negative Thinking for Teens,’ tells Very Well Mind that when parents participate in ‘phubbing,’ their child may feel ‘inadequate and lonely.’
She explains that children who experience this type of dismissal often internalize it. They may begin to think they are insignificant or unworthy of attention.
Over time, this can cause them to isolate themselves or change their behavior in an attempt to gain any form of recognition or engagement.
She says: “He or she may think they are insignificant. When children begin to think this way, they often isolate [themselves]. They will also overcompensate negatively or positively to get any type of attention.”
One such study, published in the National Library of Medicine, found: “Higher levels of emotional neglect were associated with increased depressive symptoms at 18.
“Conversely, strong peer social support was associated with reduced depressive symptoms.”
These findings suggest that emotional availability, whether from parents or peers, plays a powerful role in shaping long-term mental health.
What is phubbing?
So, what exactly is ‘phubbing?’
As explained by TechTarget, it’s a blend of the words ‘phone’ and ‘snubbing,’ and involves a person ignoring their companion in favor of using their smartphone.
For many people, it’s a familiar occurrence. A parent checking notifications during a conversation. Someone scrolling through social media instead of responding. A family member half-listening while looking at a device.
The term was reportedly created in 2012 and was part of a campaign titled ‘Stop Phubbing.’
Alvord says while everyone may be guilty of ‘phubbing’ from time to time, parents should ask themselves: Are they ignoring their child in favor of screentime?
The expert continues: “Parents rely on the convenience of smartphones (i.e., alarms, book reading, scheduling, news, social connections, etc.), thus creating a sense of dependence.
“In fact, we often hear parents’ comments that they ‘can’t go anywhere’ without their phone.”
Dangers of phubbing
But ‘phubbing’ doesn’t just impact the relationship between a parent and a child.
It can become an issue in all kinds of connections and relationships that we build with people day-to-day.
In everyday interactions, being ignored in favor of a device can send a message, intentional or not, that the person present is less important than whatever is happening on the screen.
The phenomenon is also considered a significant risk factor when it comes to romantic relationships.
A further survey conducted in Turkey by Faruk Caner Yam from Gaziosmanpaşa University found that people on the receiving end of ‘phubbing’ behavior are likely to be less satisfied in their relationships.
Yam concludes: “Partners’ being too busy with their smartphones during their romantic relationships harms relationship satisfaction and perceived romantic relationship quality.
“For this reason, it is very important to raise awareness of couples about the use of smartphones during their romantic relationships.”
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