Abstract
BackgroundResearch on screen-viewing in preschool children has predominantly focused on television viewing. The rapid development of mobile devices (e.g. tablets, smart phones and e-readers) and the increase in their use by preschool children means there is a need to understand how and why these devices are used by this age group. The aim of this study was to explore mothers’ views of their preschool children’s screen viewing behaviour (including mobile devices) and investigate how preschool children use different screen-viewing devices.MethodsOne-to-one, semi-structured interviews with mothers of preschool children (aged between 2 and 4 years old). Mothers were recruited through preschools, nurseries, and mother and toddler groups located within four areas of varying socio-economic status within Bristol, UK. Data were analysed thematically using a framework approach.ResultsTwenty-six mothers were interviewed. Mobile devices were regularly used as a form of screen-viewing for most children but were used on an ad hoc basis rather than being a habitual activity. The reasons and influences of mobile device use described by mothers were similar to that of television viewing. However, the portability of mobile devices meant that they were often used outside of the home as a distraction tool. Their multi-functionality meant that they could be used as a portable television, or for purposeful learning through educational games and applications. Some mothers showed concerns over mobile device use by their child, whilst others felt it was an important and useful educational tool. Although the majority of mothers felt they needed to set rules and restrictions for mobile device use, many mothers felt that they are also a necessary and unavoidable part of life.ConclusionsMothers in this study suggested that mobile device use by preschool children is common. More research is needed to determine the impact of mobile device use in preschool children, how much time preschool children spend using mobile devices and which activities their use may be replacing.
Highlights
Research on screen-viewing in preschool children has predominantly focused on television viewing
This study aimed to explore mothers’ views of their preschool children’s screen viewing behaviour and investigate how different screen-viewing devices are used by preschool children
socio-economic status (SES) was defined by thirds of the 2010 index of multiple deprivation (IMD) [http:// data.gov.uk/dataset/index-of-multiple-deprivation] which is an area based measure of deprivation associated with the residential postcode
Summary
Research on screen-viewing in preschool children has predominantly focused on television viewing. The rapid development of mobile devices (e.g. tablets, smart phones and e-readers) and the increase in their use by preschool children means there is a need to understand how and why these devices are used by this age group. The current information on the associations between television viewing and health outcomes among young children is mixed. It remains unclear if television viewing is associated with overweight and obesity [2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9], and poorer or improved academic skill development [4, 10, 11] in young children. Because screenviewing is one of the few modifiable sedentary behaviours in preschool children, it is often targeted within interventions to reduce sedentary time
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