När mamma och pappa skärmar av - En kvalitativ studie om föräldrars mobilanvändning på öppna förskolan

Sammanfattning: The use of smartphones has increased dramatically over the last decade. However, very few studies have been made on the impact of smartphones on the relationship and interaction between parent and child. In this qualitative study, I interviewed five day-care teachers and two social workers in open day-care centres, on their experiences of parents’ usage of smartphones and its impact on the children. Using an attachment theoretical perspective, the aim of this study was to present in what way parents’ use of mobile devices can be harmful to the children and their attachment. This study can’t clarify whether or not the attachment in fact will be harmed; this can hopefully be investigated in a longitudinal study, which is yet to be done since the first smart phone generation is growing up now. The result of this study shows that children are reacting strongly to their parents’ use, and some react with resignation. Parents’ face-to-face interaction, eye contact and psychological presence are crucial for children’s attachment and development. When using mobile devices, parents easily fail to give the response their children need, thereby risking disturbance in the development of attachment. My intention is that the present study can increase awareness and help parents and professionals to orientate themselves in the matter.