Growing Up with Screens: A Study on the Effects of Excessive Mobile Device Exposure in Early Childhood

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine young children's (Pre-Teens) exposure and impact on excessive use of mobile devices in early age. The children's access and ownership of mobile devices at a very early age has grown substantially in the past decade.  The rapidly advancing technology has become a part of children’s lives. This current generation of children is growing up in an era where mobile devices are the normal parts of daily lives interaction and communication. However, the early use of mobile phones has a negative impact and badly affected children's social, psychological as well as physical life. Most parents give mobile phones to their children at a very early age to make them busy so they will not disturb them while they are working. Although most parents understand the negative effects of mobiles for children, still they allow their child to use them. This awareness also examined how badly children were affected by using mobile phones and negative impacts of early usage of electronic media. Moreover, it looked into the emerging trend of mobile devices use by children might affect the social development of their children, their ability to develop strong communication skills, and relationships with others.