When hiring a nanny or maid, it is important to establish clear boundaries regarding mobile phone usage. In most professional settings, employees are not permitted to use their phones for personal reasons while on duty, and if caught doing so, they may face consequences. Childcare and housekeeping should be no different. Specifically, a nanny’s role is to provide undivided attention to the child, ensuring their safety, emotional well-being, and development. Using a phone while working, outside of necessary communication, distracts from these responsibilities and can compromise the quality of care provided.
1. The Risks of Mobile Phone Use Around Children
In today's digital age, mobile phones are an integral part of daily life. However, their usage around children poses significant risks. These include:
Lack of Supervision – When a caregiver is distracted by a mobile phone, they may miss important cues from a child, increasing the risk of accidents and emotional neglect. A study titled Effects of Cell Phone Use on Caregiver Supervision and Child Injury Risk found that caregivers distracted by mobile phones exhibited reduced vigilance, leading to increased child engagement with potential hazards (PubMed).
Reduced Interaction – Young children rely on face-to-face interactions to develop language, social, and cognitive skills. A distracted nanny may not engage with the child as much as necessary. Research published in The Observed Quality of Caregiver-Child Interactions With and Without a Mobile Screen Device observed that caregivers using mobile devices engaged less in joint attention and were less responsive to their children (PubMed).
Weakened Emotional Bonds – Children thrive on responsive and engaged caregiving. If a nanny is frequently absorbed in their phone, the child may feel ignored or undervalued. A study from UC Santa Barbara revealed that parents' smartphone usage in the presence of their children negatively affected the children's emotional intelligence, impacting their ability to develop essential emotional skills (UCSB News).
2. Studies on Children and Screen Time
Some caregivers resort to using mobile screens to calm or entertain children, which can contribute to developmental delays, sleep disturbances, and behavioural issues. It is well documented through scientific research that excessive screen exposure can negatively affect a child's development:
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that increased screen time in early childhood is linked to poorer cognitive and language development.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that children under 18 months should avoid screen exposure altogether, except for video calls.
A 2019 study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicated that children who spend more than two hours a day on screens perform worse on language and thinking tests.
Research from the University of Toronto highlights that excessive screen time can lead to difficulties in social interaction and emotional regulation in young children.
These findings underscore the importance of minimising screen exposure and ensuring caregivers are present and engaged with children.
3. How to Talk to Your Nanny About Mobile Phone Use And Screen Time
Discussing mobile phone and screen time usage with your nanny requires a balance of clear expectations and mutual respect. Here are some ways to approach the conversation:
Stop & Reflect - Is what you are asking, reasonable? Yes, it is reasonable to ask for phone usage to be restricted when your nanny is responsible for supervising your children. If you've asked your helper to clean the whole house, do the laundry and maintain the garden whilst also supervising small children, this could be challenging for anyone.
Set Expectations Early – When hiring a nanny, include mobile phone and screen time use policies in the contract. Specify when phone use is acceptable (e.g., during breaks or emergencies, on days off, before or after work, during naps if acceptable to you as an individual/family). Specify when screen time is acceptable (e.g. only if supervised and for educational purposes, for no more than x time per day/week).
Explain Your Concerns – Share studies and your personal reasons for limiting screen time around your child. Emphasise how engagement and supervision are critical for child development.
Encourage Alternative Activities – Provide guidelines on what your child enjoys, such as interactive play, storytelling, or outdoor activities, to discourage screen dependency.
Provide Training or Funds for Alternative Activities - There are some fantastic companies across the UAE offering play dates, nanny training and resources. The Nanny Whisperers personal favourites are Nannyn’Me, My Governess and The Nurture Place.
Use Positive Reinforcement – Acknowledge when your nanny is actively engaging with your child and following your guidelines. Positive feedback can help reinforce good behaviour.
4. Strategies for Addressing Nanny Phone Use or Screen Time on the Job
If you find that your nanny is using their phone/screen time excessively despite previous discussions, consider these steps:
Set Specific Guidelines – Ensure that you have been clear about the rules. It is useful to give clear consequences at this point if the rules are broken.
Role Model - If you set rules for your nanny but you are often seen doing something different, your nanny may believe that the rules are not to be strictly adhered to.
Reiterate the Policy – Politely remind the nanny of the agreed-upon rules and the importance of focused childcare. We highly recommend that you document the discussion by sending a short WhatsApp reiterating your point and directing the nanny to some research.
Monitor the Situation – If you suspect frequent phone usage, drop in unexpectedly or use a nanny cam to assess the situation.
Provide a Work Phone – If communication is necessary, consider giving the nanny a dedicated work phone with limited functions, ensuring they are reachable but not distracted.
Offer Incentives – Consider rewarding the nanny for consistently adhering to screen-free policies, reinforcing their positive behaviour.
Address Repeated Violations – If excessive phone use continues despite warnings, it may be necessary to issue a formal warning or consider finding a new caregiver who aligns better with your family’s values. These conversations can be tough so if you want support or guidance, reach out to The Nanny Whisperers on +971 58 574 8505 and we can help.
Conclusion
While mobile phones are a modern necessity, their use should be carefully managed in childcare settings. Open communication, clear guidelines, and ongoing monitoring can ensure that your nanny provides the engaged, attentive care your child needs to thrive. By setting firm yet fair expectations, you can create a nurturing environment that prioritises your child’s development and well-being.
