Study: Kids with parents addicted to phones worse in school

TAMPA (FOX 13) - New research indicates parents who are addicted to their smart phones pass that addiction along to their kids, and the the negative result shows up in the classroom.

Experts say kids - especially elementary schoolers - who overuse their smartphones are not very good at having a conversation. They also have short attention spans, exhibit lack of focus, and are generally at a disadvantage in school.

Danielle Roemer's 9-year-old daughter, Eva doesn't have a smartphone, but when she gets one there will be rules to follow.

"Making sure that her homework is done, and that she makes time for family situations," Roemer described.

A fellow parent at Gorrie Elementary in South Tampa, Doug Bogle said he plans to have restrictions on smartphone use when his kids finally get them.

"I think we'll have certain hours they'll be able to have smart phones and times they won't," he told FOX 13 News. "There will definitely be certain days there will be no technology in the house at all."  

Experts say, if your family seems to be using their smart phones 24/7, you should start cutting back in increments.

For example, at the dinner table suggest a "talk rather than tap," scenario. You might enjoy the food a lot more, too.