Smartphone use patterns and problematic smartphone use among preschool children

Abstract

Background The purpose of the present study was to identify smartphone use patterns associated with problematic smartphone use (PSU) among preschool children. Little is known about PSU patterns in younger children, although the age for first smartphone use is decreasing. Methods We applied a cross-sectional study design to analyze data obtained from a nationwide survey on smartphone overdependence conducted in 2017 by the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Information Society Agency. Data from 1,378 preschool children were analyzed using binomial logistic regression analysis. This study was conducted in compliance with STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology). Results Seventeen percent of the sample met the criteria for PSU. The odds of PSU significantly increased with frequent smartphone use and in children who used a smartphone for more than two hours per day. Using smartphones to watch TV shows or videos for entertainment or fun significantly increased the odds of PSU, whereas using smartphones for education, games, and social networking did not. Conclusions The findings indicate that one of five preschool children using smartphones could experience PSU. Compared to other age groups, PSU in young children may be more associated with their caregivers. To prevent PSU in preschool children, caregivers need information about the total screen time recommended for children, smartphone use patterns associated with PSU, suggestions for other activities as possible alternatives to smartphone use, and strategies to strengthen children’s self-regulation with regards to smartphone use.

Are digital devices a new risk factor for myopia?

“…Digital device use and associated adverse health effects is now recognised as an increasing problem among children. 2,3 This analysis, 1 therefore, provides a timely evidence evaluation relevant to eye care practitioners interested in finding ways to control myopia progression. 4 To better understand the association between myopia and digital smart device use (ie, tablet computers and smartphones), available studies were grouped for analysis according to whether smart device use was considered independently (10 studies) or in combination with computers (10 studies) or other forms of near-vision tasks (13 studies).…”

Study Benefits of Smartphones: Perceptions of Female Emirati Pre-Service Teacher Undergraduates

“…Park and Park [15] indicate that Korean respondents spend 4 h on their phone on average. This would equate to 14,000 h over ten years (also see [16] for Indian context). The speed at which smartphone subscribers can now access content has also increased their reflective learning experience when selecting a product or service.…”

“…In 2015, there were seven billion people with access to a mobile or cellular phone; this number represents a 96.8% penetration rate [15]. For the same period, 84 million people specifically in the Arab States had access to a mobile or cellular phone [16]. In 2019, there were 19,602,815 mobile phone subscribers [16,17], and by 2025, there will be an additional 459 million unique mobile subscribers [17] (p. 4).…”

“…For the same period, 84 million people specifically in the Arab States had access to a mobile or cellular phone [16]. In 2019, there were 19,602,815 mobile phone subscribers [16,17], and by 2025, there will be an additional 459 million unique mobile subscribers [17] (p. 4). Clearly, their use by all gender demographics and age groups makes it evident that smartphones may well be a tool for learning both inside and outside the classroom.…”

Development of an Android-Based Application as an Information System for Sports Venues and Sport Community

“…Being a lattice of technology, information technology is something that is also evolving at a rapid pace based on the needs and the sake of the users, which is smartphone/android phones owned by many worldwide so far. On the side of Indonesia, smartphones user keeps increasing as the time goes especially during this unprecedented disease [3]. Regardless of the throughputs where the smartphone is intervened/intervening especially through information systems, the community of physical activity or sports lovers indeed can also benefit from that digital system while seeking sports venues, recognized physical activity fields, or inviting people to participate in such healthy activities.…”