Screens and Preschool Children: A Qualitative Exploration of Parental Experiences

Abstract

This qualitative study explores parental experiences regarding screen use among preschool children. Thirteen Greek parents of preschoolers participated in narrative-style interviews. The thematic analysis revealed two main themes: perceived positive experiences and perceived challenges of screen use. The findings suggest that positive experiences reported by parents highlight the potential for screens to contribute to their children's emotional development, provide educational content, and offer parents a tool for managing daily routines. However, the challenges identified in this study revealed the multifaceted nature of screen use in early childhood. Parents expressed concerns about behavioural and emotional issues arising from perceived excessive screen time, such as difficulty in regulating children's engagement with devices and potential negative impacts on social interactions. Additionally, parents acknowledged their struggles in setting and enforcing limits for screen use. This study offers insights into parental experiences of preschool children's screen use using a qualitative approach, underlining the need for interventions focused on enhancing parental media literacy and awareness to address their needs.