The Role of Modern Technologies and the Internet in Preschool Children: the Risks of their Use from the Parents' Perspective
Abstract
Background | The number of preschool children using modern technologies and the internet is growing rapidly, but the consequences of this behaviour for individual development are unknown. Aim | The aim of this research was to map the issue of the use of modern technologies and the internet by preschool children and to focus on problematic, addictive behaviour and risks related to these technologies on the basis of statements made by the children's parents.
Sample | The research sample consisted of eight participants, of whom five were females and three males. Twelve children were included in the research.
Methods | Data was collected through a qualitative approach using a semi-structured interview with the parents and using thematic analysis. In total, eight interviews were conducted, transcribed into a protocol summary, further analysed using thematic analysis, and modified using open and axial coding and categorization methods.
This study was conducted as part of a bachelor's thesis. Results | One of the main findings of the study is that watching TV and YouTube videos dominates preschool children's media use.
More than half of the preschool children in this study own a tablet. Problematic or addictive behaviour is more commonly caused by using tablets or mobile devices than different technologies.
Parents underestimate the risks of the use of modern technologies and the internet. They set rules that are based mainly on their own beliefs and the rules are often inadequate and lead to undesirable behaviour in the children.
Conclusion and recommendations | It is necessary to continue the research in the field of the use of modern technologies and the internet by preschool children. Parents should set time and place restrictions on the use of modern technologies and the internet for preschool children and a united recommendation should be defined for parents and the general public.