Put Down That Cellphone! Study Finds Parents Distracted by Devices

Parents spend too much time engaging with their cellphones and not enough time engaging with their kids. That's according to a new study at the Boston Medical Center that looked at how distracted parents are by their smartphones. Researchers secretly watched 55 caregivers interacting with one or more children in fast-food restaurants. 40 of those caregivers used a mobile device during the meal and 16 used a device throughout the entirety of the meal. The news is troubling for psychiatrists and pediatricians. “We want some guidance and balance. We need to stay connected with email, work and friends, and still be present with our kids," said Jenny Radesky, a pediatrician who led the study.

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