Parental perceptions on the effect of prolonged screen time on family interactions in Dhaka city

Abstract

The widespread use of digital applications such as smartphones, computer, TV have increased in developing countries such as Bangladesh. Literature reviews and study findings indicated that children who are addicted to the screens are physically inactive and there are some negative consequences if these applications are not properly used. Meanwhile, in many developed nations, appropriate and efficient prevention strategies are already in place but Bangladesh is still far behind of making strides in implementing guidelines for screen time and promoting interactions.Taking into consideration the disadvantages of prolonged screen time on interactions and the need for exploration on this issue in the context of Bangladesh, the current study was undertaken to examine parental perceptions on how children's prolonged screen time effect interactions among the 3 to 8 years children in urban Dhaka city. For this study, data was collected by qualitative method and one instrument which was a semi structured interview questionnaire for mother`s in-depth interview has used. The study followed by purposive sampling where eight mothers, four are from middle income and four mothers are from lower socio economic background of Dhaka have interviewed over phone to collect data. In this respect, the results of the study indicated that mothers coming from the both socio economic group have a narrow perception about the true notion of screen time as well as interactions. From the data it also emerged that mothers think screen has detrimental effect on interaction and they are struggling to interact with their child when children are on the screen. Children tend to forget their surrounding and become non responsive, reluctant to communicate, play during the screen time. Findings also highlighted that mothers who have understanding regarding effect of prolonged screen time, do not have the practices of the knowledge. Besides, knowledge gap also recorded by the lower income group mothers.