Researchers find association between early childhood tablet use and anger

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that tablet use by children at 3.5 years old was linked to increased expressions of anger and frustration a year later.

Furthermore, children who exhibited more anger and frustration at 4.5 years old were more likely to have greater tablet use a year afterward, at 5.5 years old.

The researchers suggested that early tablet use might contribute to a recurring cycle of difficulties in emotional regulation.

The study involved 315 parents of preschool children from Nova Scotia, Canada. These parents participated when their children were 3.5 years old in 2020, 4.5 years old in 2021, and 5.5 years old in 2022. They reported their children’s tablet usage and assessed their children’s anger levels using the Children’s Behavior Questionnaire.