Scrolling through your phone can easily take more time than you plan, but experts warn that parents who frequently look at their phones in front of their children may be sending harmful messages without realizing it. This behavior, called “phubbing” — a combination of “phone” and “snubbing” — means ignoring the person you’re with to focus on your device.
Psychologists explain that children often feel rejected when their parents phub them, leading to feelings of insignificance and loneliness. This emotional neglect can cause kids to withdraw, act out to get attention, or develop anxiety and depression over time. Studies show children who feel ignored at home are more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms later in life unless they have strong social support elsewhere.
While smartphones are important tools for daily life, parents need to be mindful about how phone use interferes with real interactions. Overdependence on devices can make kids feel invisible and emotionally disconnected from their caregivers.
Phubbing doesn’t just affect parent-child bonds; it also harms romantic and other relationships. Research shows partners who experience frequent phubbing report lower satisfaction and poorer relationship quality. The message is clear: prioritizing your phone over the people around you can damage crucial connections.
In short, the occasional glance at a notification is understandable, but repeatedly choosing your phone instead of the person in front of you can cause harm—whether it’s a child, a partner, or a friend.
