Abstract
Research problemAdvances in technology have ensured its inevitable integration in our life. Children, being at a vulnerable age period of development, are spending more time on electronic devices. Some studies reported negative effects on sleep, physical health such as obesity and vision problems, and behavioral changes such as aggressive behavior with exposure to violent media content.Research significanceWe will study the effect of using electronic devices on communication skills in children in Saudi Arabia. Our findings can be used to raise awareness on this matter.Research objectivesThe aim of our study is to examine the association between screen time and social communication skills among children of four years to six years of age in Saudi Arabia.Research methodologyA cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the relationship between social skills development and screen time by using a validated Arabic version of the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ). The sample in this study consists of 308 children from four to six years of age.Research resultsThe results showed that the hours spent using the electronic device were significantly associated with having an SCQ score ≥ 15 (P < 0.05). A high SCQ score was prevalent in 19.7% (n = 31) of children who spent >3 hours using an electronic device compared to 10.2% (n = 5) and 7.84% (n = 8) of children who spent an hour or <2 hours using electronic devices, respectively.ConclusionOur study highlighted a significant association between the daily hours spent on devices and having an SCQ score above 15, which suggests a deficit in social skill development and having autism spectrum disorder-like symptoms.
Highlights
Advances in technology have ensured its inevitable integration in our life
The results showed that the hours spent using the electronic device were significantly associated with having an Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) score ≥ 15 (P < 0.05)
Our study aimed to examine the association between screen time and social communication skills among children of 4‒6 years of age in Saudi Arabia and identify the factors associated with high SCQ scores
Summary
Children, being at a vulnerable age period of development, are spending more time on electronic devices. Some studies have reported negative effects on sleep, physical health such as obesity and vision problems, and behavioral changes such as aggressive behavior with exposure to violent media content [1,2,3]. The benefits of using electronic devices are undeniable. Electronic devices have facilitated social communication among children in this period of repetitive lockdowns and restricted outdoor activities. It has revolutionized learning as children have easy access to educational content [3]. The American Academy of Pediatrics has made age-specific recommendations for media use by children that balance its risks and benefits
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