News
November 23, 2025
Kate’s early years centre to fund research into tackling ‘technoference’
The study chosen will receive £100,000 in funding and work with families to understand when and why the issue occurs.
**Kate’s early years centre to fund research into tackling ‘technoference’**
A pioneering research project aimed at understanding and mitigating the negative impacts of technology on family interactions, often dubbed “technoference,” is set to receive a significant boost thanks to funding from a centre dedicated to early childhood development championed by The Princess of Wales. The chosen study will be awarded £100,000 to delve into the complexities of this growing concern.
Technoference, a portmanteau of "technology" and "interference," describes the ways in which devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers disrupt face-to-face communication and relationships, particularly within families. Think of a parent scrolling through social media while their child tries to tell them about their day, or a family dinner where everyone is glued to their screens instead of engaging in conversation.
Recognizing the potential long-term consequences of technoference on children’s development and family well-being, the funding initiative aims to support research that will shed light on the circumstances that lead to its occurrence. The study will work directly with families to gain a deeper understanding of when, where, and why technology intrudes on their interactions. Researchers hope to identify specific triggers and patterns that contribute to the problem.
The research will not only focus on identifying the issue, but also on developing practical strategies and interventions to help families manage technology use more effectively. The goal is to empower parents and caregivers with the tools and knowledge they need to create a healthier balance between screen time and quality family time.
Experts believe that understanding the nuances of technoference is crucial for fostering positive relationships and promoting healthy child development in an increasingly digital world. This initiative represents a significant step towards addressing this challenge and ensuring that technology serves to enhance, rather than detract from, the bonds that connect families. The results of the study are expected to provide valuable insights for parents, educators, and policymakers alike, contributing to a more mindful and balanced approach to technology use in the home.
A pioneering research project aimed at understanding and mitigating the negative impacts of technology on family interactions, often dubbed “technoference,” is set to receive a significant boost thanks to funding from a centre dedicated to early childhood development championed by The Princess of Wales. The chosen study will be awarded £100,000 to delve into the complexities of this growing concern.
Technoference, a portmanteau of "technology" and "interference," describes the ways in which devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers disrupt face-to-face communication and relationships, particularly within families. Think of a parent scrolling through social media while their child tries to tell them about their day, or a family dinner where everyone is glued to their screens instead of engaging in conversation.
Recognizing the potential long-term consequences of technoference on children’s development and family well-being, the funding initiative aims to support research that will shed light on the circumstances that lead to its occurrence. The study will work directly with families to gain a deeper understanding of when, where, and why technology intrudes on their interactions. Researchers hope to identify specific triggers and patterns that contribute to the problem.
The research will not only focus on identifying the issue, but also on developing practical strategies and interventions to help families manage technology use more effectively. The goal is to empower parents and caregivers with the tools and knowledge they need to create a healthier balance between screen time and quality family time.
Experts believe that understanding the nuances of technoference is crucial for fostering positive relationships and promoting healthy child development in an increasingly digital world. This initiative represents a significant step towards addressing this challenge and ensuring that technology serves to enhance, rather than detract from, the bonds that connect families. The results of the study are expected to provide valuable insights for parents, educators, and policymakers alike, contributing to a more mindful and balanced approach to technology use in the home.
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Politics