The association between media consumption and children’s play tendencies and socioemotional skills

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study’s objective was to explore media consumption among children and its association with play as well as motor, social, and emotion recognition skills. The participants were 200 children between the ages of four and eight (M = 5.53), their mothers, and their teachers. Media consumption and play tendencies (frequency and playmates) were assessed using a comprehensive questionnaire administered to mothers. The teachers evaluated motor (fine and gross) and social skills. An emotion comprehension task assessed emotion recognition skills. SEM was employed to examine the interrelationship between media consumption and motor, social, and emotional skills and play tendencies. The results indicate that high media consumption is related to a decrease in motor, social, and emotional skills and play rates. The study concludes by emphasizing the restriction of media consumption in early childhood in favor of motor activity, social engagement, and sufficient active play time to acquire key developmental skills.