How mobile technology affects young children's thinking skills

Technology Use and Emerging Executive Functioning in Early Childhood

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11058447

This study is looking at how using mobile and interactive technologies affects the thinking skills of kids aged 0 to 8, and it’s for parents who want to understand how their tech use might influence their child's development.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11058447 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of mobile and interactive technologies on the development of executive functioning in children aged 0 to 8 years. It aims to understand how the use of these technologies by parents and children influences their interactions and the development of critical thinking skills. The study will involve interviews with parents to gather insights on their experiences and perceptions regarding technology use, followed by a larger study to analyze the effects on child development. By examining these relationships, the research seeks to provide a clearer picture of how modern media consumption shapes early childhood development.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include parents of children aged 0 to 8 years who use mobile devices regularly.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have children or whose children are older than 8 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved guidelines for technology use that enhance cognitive development in young children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that media exposure can significantly influence child development, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.