Parent awareness of smartphone use and its health impact

Abstract

Smartphones remain one of primary devices of choice for communication for many people. For children ages 10–12 this is especially true. These devices are used daily and for some multiple hours each day. As more applications are made available, it becomes increasingly difficult for children to minimize their screen time. This study aims to assess whether there are differences in what parents believe about smartphone use and what the child reported. Thirty-two children, ages 10–12, and one parent per child completed a questionnaire regarding smartphone use. Findings show parents are unaware of the total hours of use and the impact of smartphones on the health of children. Such information is important as screen time is not limited to home but is also increasingly expanding in the classroom. As well, the age of first time users continues to decrease.