Vicious circle

How tablets lure children into an emotional trap

More screen time leads to more anger - and vice versa.(Bild: Krone KREATIV/Lightfield Studios, producer – stock.adobe.com)

Parents who want to keep their child occupied or "calm them down" often reach for their smartphone or tablet - for example at weekends, during vacations or long journeys, but probably also to have some peace and quiet after a stressful day at work. However, this could trigger a vicious circle and do neither themselves nor their child any favors ...

Little Alice stares at her tablet and only has eyes for the adventures of "Bluey", her favorite animated series. When mom tells her it's time for dinner and she has to say goodbye to the energetic little puppy on the screen, a crisis breaks out. She is very upset and dinner has to wait until the end of the current episode - if all goes well ...