An expert based in Abu Dhabi is urging parents to refrain from using technology as a means to stop their children from crying. It is common for parents to hand over phones or other devices to toddlers during mealtimes or to keep them occupied. Maryam Hassani, the acting head of Trends & Innovation at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), highlighted this practice in an interview with Khaleej Times. Recent studies in Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry have termed this approach as “digital pacifiers”, which parents use to manage their children's tantrums. While these devices may work in the short term, they prevent children from learning emotional regulation, potentially leading to poorer control and anger management. This could also increase their dependence on digital devices, leading to screen time tantrums and screen addiction.
Hassani advised parents to be mindful of their own use of devices around children. She noted that children often mimic their parents' behavior, so it's important to engage directly with them without the interruption of screens. This helps build a stronger bond and makes children feel valued and secure. She recommended treating screen-based games with the same care as traditional toys, suggesting interactive and educational games that parents can enjoy with their children. This approach not only makes screen time more meaningful but also strengthens the parent-child relationship.
Regarding the appropriate age for children to start using devices, Hassani pointed out that it varies. In the UAE, children typically receive their first mobile device at the age of seven, which is among the youngest in the world. She emphasized that the type of screen time matters, whether it's for educational purposes, connecting with family, or social media. Parents should help their children become responsible digital citizens by balancing screen time with offline activities, physical activity, schoolwork, reading, social interactions, and sleep. Technology should complement these areas, not dominate them.
Maryam advised parents to use screens for learning and growth, choosing apps and games that enhance their child’s development. She also suggested implementing simple rules at home, such as device-free meal times, to strengthen family bonds and nurture social skills. Two analog tools she highlighted are Storybutton, a screenless audio player, and Zenimal, a device for mental wellness, both of which are part of the ECA’s Anjal Z Techstars Founder Catalyst programme.
