Smartwatch System Alerts Parents to Early Signs of Child Tantrums

Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a smartwatch-based alert system that signals parents at the earliest signs of a tantrum in children with emotional and behavioral disorders-prompting them to intervene before it intensifies.

In a new study published in JAMA Network open, these alerts helped parents intervene within four seconds and shortened severe tantrums by an average of 11 minutes-about half the duration seen with standard therapy.

In this system,a smartwatch worn by the child detects physiological stress signals such as rising heart rate,or changes in movement or sleep,and sends them to an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled app on the parent’s smartphone. The app analyzes the data in real time and sends an alert as a cue for the parent to connect with their child.

The findings demonstrate how smartwatch technology can help bridge a gap in pediatric mental health care by giving parents actionable support when professional help isn’t promptly available. That need is widespread-nearly 1 in 5 U.S. children has a mental, behavioral or emotional health disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The approach shows how wearable technology, paired with patient-centric AI design, can support families beyond the clinic.

Study design and results

In the randomized clinical trial, 50 children aged 3 to 7 receiving Parent-Child Interaction Therapy at Mayo Clinic participated over 16 weeks.Half were assigned to use the smartwatch system, and half continued standard therapy. The study evaluated whether families would use the technology as intended and whether immediate alerts could measurably change parent response times and children’s behavior.

Digital Tools Show Promise in Boosting Parent-Child Therapy Access

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that digitally augmenting Parent-Child interaction Therapy (PCIT) – a well-established treatment for disruptive behavior in young children – is feasible and may broaden access to this effective intervention. PCIT typically involves therapists directly coaching parents in real-time during interactions with their children. though, logistical barriers and a shortage of trained therapists frequently enough limit its availability.

Researchers explored methods to deliver components of PCIT through digital platforms, including telehealth and asynchronous coaching via video recordings. the study, published December 15, 2025, found that families were generally receptive to these digital approaches, and therapists reported the tools were usable and helpful in delivering care.

“these findings are encouraging because they suggest we can leverage technology to overcome some of the hurdles that prevent families from receiving PCIT,” explains the study’s lead author. “Digital augmentation could allow therapists to reach more families, especially those in rural areas or with limited access to specialized care.”

The research highlights the potential for blended care models, where digital tools supplement traditional in-person therapy sessions. This approach could involve families completing assignments online, receiving feedback via video, or participating in telehealth sessions for coaching.

While the study focused on feasibility, ongoing research is investigating the effectiveness of digitally augmented PCIT compared to traditional methods. The initial results suggest that digital tools can maintain the core elements of PCIT while increasing its reach and convenience.

More information: Feasibility of Digital Augmentation of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy,JAMA Network open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.48869

Journal information: JAMA Network Open