Devices make a direct connection with the brain's pleasure center via the neurotransmitter dopamine. As a result, kids get jolts of pleasure when using devices. It also briefly relieves boredom at an age when they may not have developed the coping mechanisms to combat their perceived boredom. Kids are distracting themselves from the boredom and parents unknowingly supply a passive and very pleasurable way to distract from the boredom. So unsurprisingly, children have a temper tantrum when this pleasure is taken away or otherwise unavailable.
Device use is also a frequent cause of sleep disorders in children because the blue light emitted from devices stimulate the pineal gland in the brain and tricks the brain into thinking it's still daylight if device use isn't terminated for at least 2 hours prior to bedtime. Also, I've advised parents to ban televisions, cell phones, and other devices from the bedroom entirely so that children associate their bedroom with calming activities and sleep. Develop a bedtime routine that incorporates calming activities like reading. Try shutting off those devices during car trips and supply books, play music or play road sign games instead. You'll teach your kids effective coping skills while developing reading, music appreciation, and other useful skills. I introduced my children to classical music during both short commutes and long haul trips. My youngest son once exclaimed to me, "I really like that Beethoven guy!" which brought me a smile. And it gave me an opportunity to verbally reward his excellent taste in music while placing the great composer in historical context. We both then marveled at Beethoven's prowess as a composer despite his progressive hearing loss, a valuable lesson in appreciating differences, and fostering empathy and resilience.
