Association between the use of digital media and executive functions in early childhood

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the associations between the use of digital media and the executive functions of children in early childhood. Employing a descriptive-exploratory cross-sectional design, quantitative data analysis was conducted through an online survey. Data were collected using a Socioeconomic Questionnaire, the Child Executive Functioning Inventory, and a Media Use Questionnaire. A total of 58 parents, representing both genders, participated in the study, and their children were aged between 3 and 5 years old. Our findings reveal that parents primarily permit the use of digital media for everyday tasks. Notably, children who used digital media the most in their daily activities exhibited poorer performance on the Children's Executive Functioning Inventory. The data expands our understanding of media usage, its impact, and its repercussions on child development, daily life, and family interaction.