Dr. Carrie Mackensen: The Hidden Impact of Smartphones on Parent-Child Connection

About this episode

The episode explores the impact of smartphones and digital distractions on parent-child relationships with insights from Dr. Carrie Mackensen.

How do phones and constant digital distractions affect our relationships with our kids? In this episode of Parents Uncharted, Sarah Adams sits down with Dr. Carrie Mackensen to explore technoference- the interruptions in parent-child interactions caused by smartphones, notifications, and screen use. While these moments can seem small, research shows they may influence children’s emotional development, attachment, and sense of connection with caregivers. Dr. Carrie explains the science behind attention and bonding, including insights from the Still Face Experiment, a well-known study showing how quickly children respond when a caregiver becomes emotionally unavailable. The findings offer a powerful lens for understanding how everyday device distractions can impact developing relationships. We also talk about the pressure many parents feel around screen time and parenting, why guilt isn’t helpful, and practical ways families can create healthier technology habits at home. Finally, we discuss the growing presence of AI in children’s lives and why ongoing conversations about technology between parents and kids are more important than ever. In this episode, we discuss: What…

People in this episode

Host: Sarah Adams

Guest: Dr. Carrie Mackensen

Topics covered

• parent-child connection
• technoference
• screen time
• child development
• technology habits
• AI in children's lives

Keywords

• technoference
• parenting
• screen time
• emotional development
• attachment
• digital distraction
• technology habits
• AI
• Still Face Experiment

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Still Face Experiment

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