Child Health Nurs Res.  2018 Oct;24(4):383-392. 10.4094/chnr.2018.24.4.383.

Factors associated with Smartphone Overdependency in Preschool Children

• Lee M
• Park S

• KMID: 2435302
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4094/chnr.2018.24.4.383

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with smartphone overdependency in preschool children based on an analysis of mother, child, and their mutual dyadic relationships.
METHODS
Data were collected from 171 mothers of preschool children enrolled at daycare centers and kindergartens from January to March 2018. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, the t-test, analysis of variance with Scheffé post hoc test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and hierarchical regression analysis using SPSS version 24.
RESULTS
The self regulation of preschool children (β=−.358, p < .001) was the factor most closely associated with smartphone overdependency. The second most closely associated factor was children's use of a smartphone 0.5-1 hour daily (β=−.249, p=.005). Additional associated factors were mothers' use of a smartphone for 3-4 hours daily (β=.217, p=.002), children's use of a smartphone for less than 0.5 hour daily (β=−.212, p=.006), and children's use of a smartphone for 1-2 days per week (β=−.205, p=.026).
CONCLUSION
Based on the results of this study, it is necessary to try to develop guidelines and programs to prevent smart phone overdependency in preschool children.

Keyword

Preschool children; Smartphone; Dependency

MeSH Terms

Child
Child, Preschool*
Humans
Mothers
Self-Control
Smartphone*