Factors associated with Smartphone Overdependency in Preschool Children

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with smartphone overdependency in preschool children based on an analysis of mother, child, and their mutual dyadic relationships. METHODS: Data were collected from 171 mothers of preschool children enrolled at daycare centers and kindergartens from January to March 2018. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, the t-test, analysis of variance with Scheffé post hoc test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and hierarchical regression analysis using SPSS version 24. RESULTS: The self regulation of preschool children (β=−.358, p < .001) was the factor most closely associated with smartphone overdependency. The second most closely associated factor was children's use of a smartphone 0.5–1 hour daily (β=−.249, p=.005). Additional associated factors were mothers' use of a smartphone for 3–4 hours daily (β=.217, p=.002), children's use of a smartphone for less than 0.5 hour daily (β=−.212, p=.006), and children's use of a smartphone for 1–2 days per week (β=−.205, p=.026). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, it is necessary to try to develop guidelines and programs to prevent smart phone overdependency in preschool children.