Mothers' Awareness regarding Technology Addiction for Preschool Children

Abstract

Background: Preschool children are increasingly surrounded by technological devices, such as tablets, smartphones, game consoles and the internet and more susceptible to technology addiction. The aim of this study: Was to assess mothers' awareness regarding technology addiction for preschool children. Research design: A descriptive design was utilized to conduct this study. Setting: This study was conducted at three nursery schools at Benha city. Sample: Convenient sample of 300 mothers accompanied their children to nursery school. Tools: Data was collected by using two tools (I): Interviewing questionnaire to assess socio demographic characteristics of the mothers, personal characteristics of the children, Data related to child use of electronic devices, children current complaints, mothers' knowledge regarding technology addiction and mothers' reported practices to prevent technology addiction. (II): Likert scale questionnaire to assess mothers' attitudes regarding technology addiction. Results: There were 71.7% of the studied mothers had university degree and more and 94.3% of them were married, 78.3% of the studied mothers had average total knowledge about technology addiction, 71 % of the studied mothers had unsatisfactory total practices regarding prevention from technology addiction and negative total attitudes regarding technology addiction. Conclusion: Less than one fifth of the studied mothers had good total knowledge about technology addiction, more than one quarter of the studied mothers had a satisfactory total practices, a positive total attitudes regarding technology addiction and there was a highly statistically significant relation between mother's age and their total knowledge score. Recommendations: Health educational and training programs are recommended to increase mothers' awareness about negative effects of technological devices, technology addiction and following a healthy life style in order to prevent it.