Effect of frequent smartphone use on children’s cognitive function: An observational study

Abstract

Background – Children and teenagers use smartphones more actively than adults, they are more prone to get addicted to smartphones. Furthermore, studies show that excessive use of smartphones can lead to psychosocial and physical symptoms in children between age group of 5-15 years. Psychosocial symptoms include decline in cognitive function and Physical symptoms includes faulty habitual posture and temporomandibular disorders. Purpose of the study – To find the effects of frequent smartphone use on children’s cognitive function. Methodology– A self-constructed e-questionnaire based on “Digital Addiction Scale for Children” and “Cognitive Flexibility Scale” was sent randomly to various social groups through various social media platforms. A total of 50 parents responded to the survey and were included in the analysis. Results – From the responses we found out that 23% children use smartphones for more than 4 hours a day and out of them cognitive function was affected in 66.7% of children and faulty cervical posture is seen in 72.2% children. Conclusion – The study concluded that prolong smartphone usage affects cognitive function in children below 15 years of age.