Prolonged digital screen effect on preschool children: an analysis from the perception of parents of Dhaka

Abstract

Availability of devices with display screen are increasing rapidly even in developing countries like Bangladesh. Little or no concern is usually given to regulate a healthy guidelines for children’s device use. Parents are the first educators of their children and they play a primary role in regulating screen time. A perception analysis from parents’ observation provides the proper visualization regarding the behavior patterns of device use by children. This study commenced in order to finding out the existing conditions of gadget use by children in Dhaka. Quantitative method was used in this study and data was collected through a developed questionnaire from a sample of parents having young children (between 1 to 10 years old) residing in Dhaka city to investigate the nature of device usage by children. Existing studies show significant link between excessive device usage and health issues in children. Behavior pattern suggested that children use devices almost 2 hours per day and viewing of smartphone and tablets from a close distance is most common in children’s of Dhaka. This study showed that parents faced many behavioral issues that link with the existing studies done in different countries. Study findings also reflected the same behavioral issues that arose due to excessive device usage. Parents being properly aware and based on their willingness it is pertinent that there is a need for interventions to create a substantial awareness programs.