Screen Practices and Perceptions of Parents of Young Children Under 6 Years Old

Abstract

Screen time refers to the duration spent on digital devices and digital media, including online gaming, smartphones, tablets, computers, televisions, and wearable technologies such as smartwatches, as well as internet browsing across various devices. To analyze parents' perceptions of screen practices among young children under six, highlighting their behaviors and the impact on early development, including a lack of interaction, cognitive development, and behavioral issues. This study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design, collecting data from 74 participants via convenience sampling, and analyzed the data using SPSS software for descriptive statistics (percentages, frequencies, and a chi-square test of parental perceptions of current screen practices among young children under 6. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant, with results underscoring the impact of screen practices on children, with p<0.027 indicating dependence on fast-paced media, while p<0.020 indicated dependence on problem-solving games. Ethical clearance was obtained from the institution's Ethical Review Committee (ERC No: 2024- 10848-32188). Parental perception showed an association of increased screen time and its substantial impact on young children, emphasizing the varying perceptions related to screen practices, focusing on the need for future educators, researchers, and policymakers to focus on age-appropriate strategies for screen time.