Teenagers whose parents are more distracted by phones are more insecure

A study found that teenagers who feel ignored by their parents using phones are more likely to show insecure attachment styles.

In Short

• Researchers surveyed 600 US teenagers aged 12 to 17 nationwide
• A new scale measured device-related effects on attention, availability and home interactions
• Some teens described feeling hurt by caregivers' constant device distraction

Parents worry about how much time their children spend on screens.

But a new study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Psychology, suggests that parents' own phone habits could also be taking a toll on teenagers.

Researchers found that teenagers who feel their caregivers are frequently distracted by phones and other devices are more likely to develop insecure attachment styles, patterns that can affect relationships, mental health and overall wellbeing later in life.

Teens say they are competing with smartphones for attention

Dr Don Grant, a researcher at Newport Healthcare's Center for Research and Innovation, said concerns about excessive device use first emerged during his work with teenagers and families.

He recalled hearing young clients talk about feeling hurt by their parents' constant phone use. One conversation particularly stood out when the daughter of a psychologist asked her mother if she loved her phone more than her.

Previous studies have also shown that many children and teenagers feel they are competing with their parents' smartphones for attention.

To understand how this affects emotional development, researchers created a questionnaire called the Device Attachment Interference Scale. It measured how teenagers felt about their caregivers' device use and whether they believed phones affected attention, availability and interactions at home.

The team surveyed 600 teenagers aged 12 to 17 across the United States and compared the results with another questionnaire that assessed attachment styles.

Feeling ignored may have long-term consequences

The study found that teens who reported greater interference from their caregivers' devices were more likely to show anxious or avoidant attachment styles.

People with anxious attachment often seek constant reassurance, while those with avoidant attachment may distance themselves emotionally to avoid getting hurt. Both patterns have been linked to poorer mental health and difficulties in maintaining healthy relationships.

"Attachment is flexible," Grant said, adding that even children who have secure bonds with their parents can develop insecurity during their teenage years.

Researchers cautioned that the study only found a strong association and cannot prove that parents' phone use directly causes insecure attachment. It is also possible that teenagers with insecure attachments are more likely to perceive their parents as unavailable.

Still, the scientists said the findings should encourage families to be mindful of device use. Since smartphones are now part of everyday life, even small moments of distraction could add up over time.

Grant stressed that parents do not need to abandon everything whenever their children seek attention.

Instead, he said, acknowledging and responding to those moments can help teenagers feel seen and supported.

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