Screen-Based Media Use Among Children of Working Mothers and Homemakers

Abstract

Background and objectives: In recent times, use of screen-based media (SBM) has increased due to the growing availability of screen-based electronic devices in everyday life. The aim of the study is to evaluate the use of SBM among children of working mothers in comparison to homemakers. Methods: The present cross-sectional study involved 200 children to study the SBM usage. The children were divided into two equal groups: group 1 included working mothers (n=100) and group 2 included homemakers (n=100). The data, including the type of SBM, the duration, and each child’s reaction to the devices being withheld were obtained by direct interview through a predesigned form. Results: The children from both groups reported use of SBM greater than that which is recommended internationally for their age (>2 hours/day; P=0.014). Children of working mothers who use videogames/ smartphones reacted in a more violent and irritable manner to removal of SBM device than the children of the homemakers (P=0.001). However, the children of homemakers used television significantly more than the children of the working mothers (P=0.006). Conclusion: Children of working women tend to use SBM, probably overuse the social media, in comparison to children of homemakers. Children of both, working mothers and homemakers spent time that exceeded the recommended two hours per day rule by the American Pediatric Association SBM use guidelines. Future research should focus on SBM parental strategies and their SBM use.