This Master’s thesis examines the formation and evolution of early parent–child relationships in the context of smartphone use. The theoretical section begins by outlining the significance of early relational development in children, drawing on attachment theory. Particular attention is given to the role of digital technologies, especially smartphones, in contemporary parenting. The theoretical section concludes with an exploration of the relationship between parental emotional responsiveness and presence during interactions with the child, in relation to smartphone use.
The empirical section first presents the methodology of the research, followed by the results obtained through semi-structured interviews. The study involved ten parents of children aged up to three, including five mothers and five fathers. The findings reveal the multifaceted nature of parents’ smartphone use in the presence of their child. Smartphones are an important means of communication for parents and a tool for managing everyday routines. At the same time, they are also used to fill time or as a means of withdrawal while spending time with the child. The study also identifies a relationship between the child’s responses and parental smartphone use in the child’s presence. This leads parents to develop various strategies for regulating their smartphone use in such situations. In doing so, they encounter a number of challenges. A key negative consequence of smartphone use in front of children is its detrimental impact on relationship formation, such as reduced responsiveness to the child’s needs and increased relational distance.
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