SCREEN-BASED ACTIVITIES AMONG CHILDREN IN CROATIA: A MEDIA DIARY APPROACH

ABSTRACT

This research has two objectives: 1) examine the average daily time of screen-based activities (SBAs), the most used devices, types of SBAs, and reasons for SBAs use in children;and 2) examine differences in these aspects of SBAs regarding the age of children in Croatia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data came from 60 children's paper-and-pencil media diaries. Children on average spend more time during the day in SBAs than recommended by the literature (up to 1.5 or 2 hours). Older children spend more time in SBAs compared to younger children during the workweek. The most popular devices among children were TVs and smartphones, regardless of age. The most frequent types of children's SBAs were watching content and playing, but watching was more prevalent among younger children and playing among older children during the workweek. The most common reason for SBAs was to have fun, regardless of the children's age. All conclusions mainly apply to children from middle- to upper-socioeconomic- class families and the specific period of the COVID-19 pandemic. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Psychological & Educational Research is the property of University of Oradea Publishing House and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)