Abstract
Over the past decade, mobile device use has increased significantly. Adults are now using their mobile device whilst undertaking a range of work and social activities. This naturalistic study aimed to understand parents/carers' use of mobile devices and their associated beliefs about mobile device use whilst caring for children aged five and younger in playgrounds. A mixed methods approach was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from parents/carers. Data were collected by observations (n=50) and interviews (n=25) in playgrounds on the North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Of the 50 observed parents/carers, 76% (n=38) used their mobile device, with usage time extending to 17.2minutes of the 20minute observation period. Text-/type-related mobile device use was most often used (69.6%), followed by voice-related (23.7%) and camera-related mobile device use (6.7%). The 25 interviewed parents/carers beliefs on mobile device use were centred on three themes: diversity of mobile device use, child relationships and mobile device use and the physical environment and mobile device use. This study adds to the limited research into parent/carer mobile device use, which has become an integral part of peoples' lifestyle. However, research is required to better understand how parent/carer mobile device use may impact on child supervision and interaction. SO WHAT?: Mobile device use is increasing. We need to better understand its public health impact.
Highlights
Over the past decade, mobile device use has increased significantly with an estimated 9 of 10 Australian adults using a smartphone.[1]
A number of parents reported that the playground is an inappropriate environment for mobile device use (n = 5) as it was thought to be an environment for spending time with and caring for your child
Just over three-quarters of observed parents/carers used their mobile device while supervising a child at the playground, these findings are consistent with a North American study, which reported that 59% of observed parents/carers use of mobile devices while supervising in the playground.[5]
Summary
Mobile device use has increased significantly with an estimated 9 of 10 Australian adults using a smartphone.[1] Between 2012 and 2015, smartphone ownership increased by 35%,2 which is thought to reflect the device’s increased functionality and ease of use.[3] mobile devices are an integral part of peoples’ lifestyles.[1] This increased uptake has resulted in adults using their mobile devices while completing a range of activities, including watching television, eating, using public transport, while in bed[2,4] and when supervising children in playgrounds.[5,6] Reasons identified for mobile. This naturalistic study aimed to understand parents/carers’ use of mobile devices and their associated beliefs about mobile device use whilst caring for children aged five and younger in playgrounds
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