Parenting in the Digital Age

In our increasingly digitally-connected world, digital devices (such as smartphones and tablets) have become a routine part of family life. While these technologies offer many benefits, they can also distract us from our interactions and relationships with others – a phenomenon known as ‘technoference’.

This research project explores how ‘technoference’ affects parents and primary caregivers of babies and young children aged five years and under. It will ask the following questions:

• How and why do parents of babies and young children use digital devices (such as smartphones) while caring for their children?
• What are parents’ views on using digital devices while caring for babies and young children? What do they perceive as the benefits and challenges?
• Do parents want to change any aspect of how they use digital devices while caring for their children?
• What strategies or solutions do parents find helpful for reducing interruptions caused by digital devices?

The project is being delivered by the Coram Institute for Children and Coram Family and Childcare. It has been commissioned and funded by the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.

What does the research involve?

Parent co-production will be at the heart of the study. Eight peer researchers who are parents or carers of young children will be supported by a team of Coram researchers to deliver the research. The peer researchers will play a central role across all stages of the research including study design, data collection, analysis, and developing recommendations.

Peer researchers will conduct qualitative research with parents and primary caregivers of babies and young children in three different locations across England and Wales.

The project runs from March 2026 – February 2027.

For further information please contact: info@coramfamilyandchildcare.org.uk