Mobile device use when caring for children 0-5 years: A naturalistic playground study

Health Promot J Austr. 2018 Dec;29(3):337-343. doi: 10.1002/hpja.38. Epub 2018 Mar 5.

Abstract

Issue addressed: Over the past decade, mobile device use has increased significantly. Adults are now using their mobile device whilst undertaking a range of work and social activities. This naturalistic study aimed to understand parents/carers' use of mobile devices and their associated beliefs about mobile device use whilst caring for children aged five and younger in playgrounds.

Methods: A mixed methods approach was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from parents/carers. Data were collected by observations (n = 50) and interviews (n = 25) in playgrounds on the North Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

Results: Of the 50 observed parents/carers, 76% (n = 38) used their mobile device, with usage time extending to 17.2 minutes of the 20 minute observation period. Text-/type-related mobile device use was most often used (69.6%), followed by voice-related (23.7%) and camera-related mobile device use (6.7%). The 25 interviewed parents/carers beliefs on mobile device use were centred on three themes: diversity of mobile device use, child relationships and mobile device use and the physical environment and mobile device use.

Conclusion: This study adds to the limited research into parent/carer mobile device use, which has become an integral part of peoples' lifestyle. However, research is required to better understand how parent/carer mobile device use may impact on child supervision and interaction. SO WHAT?: Mobile device use is increasing. We need to better understand its public health impact.

Keywords: behaviour change; children; healthy environments; mobile phones; parents; playgrounds.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Caregivers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cell Phone / statistics & numerical data*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • New South Wales
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Photography
  • Play and Playthings
  • Social Media
  • Young Adult

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