Smart device use habits among families with young children (3–7 years)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31074/gyntf.2026.1.198.224Keywords:
smart device usage, technoference, early childhood education, digitalisationAbstract
Background and objectives: Smart devices are part of most families’ lives, and their use has a significant impact on family members’ lifestyles and social relationships. In this study, we sought to determine the extent to which parental smart device use can be predicted based on demographic characteristics (age, gender, education) and perceived stress and technoference. We also examined the relationship between child and parental device use. Method: Parents (N = 714) with preschool children (3-7 years old) participated in the study. The study was conducted online with voluntary participation. A self-report questionnaire was used to map parents’ smart device use habits, and the DISRUPT scale (McDaniel, 2021) was used to assess self-reported perceptions of parent-child interaction disruption. Results: The average daily smart device use of parents of preschool children was nearly 5 hours (M = 292 minutes, SD = 170 minutes). In terms of usage habits, strong predictors were the parent’s gender and educational attainment, as well as the parent’s stress level. Perceived technoference was weakly but positively correlated with the extent of parental smart device use. Their children also appeared as smart device users, but the proportion of families striving for screen-free time was still significant (13%). Within families, we found a moderate correlation between the screen time of preschool children and their parents (weekdays: rS = 0.234, p < 0.001; weekends: rS = 0.235, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our research highlights the importance of educating parents on the issue so that they are made aware of the dangers of smart devices for their relationships and benefits.
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