US Study Links Caregiver Phone Use to Teen Insecure Attachments

A survey of 600 adolescents aged 12 to 17 across the United States found that teens who perceive their caregivers as frequently distracted by smartphones or other digital devices are more likely to report insecure attachment styles. The study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, showed higher rates of anxiety about relationships and emotional withdrawal among these youths, regardless of the caregiver’s gender, the teen’s age, race or ethnicity.

Dr. Leana Wen, a clinical associate professor at George Washington University, explained that attachment reflects the emotional bond and sense of security a young person feels toward trusted adults. While secure attachment supports mental health and resilience, the perceived interference of devices can undermine this trust, potentially affecting adolescents' overall wellbeing.