Impact of Children’s Continuous Exposure to Instant Rewards through Digital Media on Tantrums and Increased Parental Stress

Abstract

Children today are increasingly immersed in digital environments that provide quick rewards through games, videos, and interactive apps. While these platforms can foster both learning and recreation, research increasingly points to concerns about their effects on children’s behaviour and family well-being. The present study investigated links between children’s engagement with reward-based digital media, tantrum behaviours, and parental stress in a sample of 170 participants. Parents provided detailed reports on their children’s screen exposure, behavioural concerns, and their own stress levels using standardised questionnaires. Results indicated that frequent use of instant-reward media was associated with more tantrums and elevated parental stress. The study also revealed a two-way pattern: children’s tantrums heightened parental stress, which in turn contributed to greater child dysregulation. These findings suggest that children’s screen habits shape not only their individual development but also wider family dynamics. Supporting caregivers with strategies for balanced screen use and effective behaviour management may help promote both emotional stability and resilience within families.