The Effect of Smartphone Use on Children's Behaviour and Attitudes

Abstract

The 21st -century technological advances, especially the Internet-based services, have tremendeaously changed our lives. Young children today have easily access to smartphones and gadgets and their dependence on them is relatively high. There is no denying that technology has greatly helped educators and learners in carrying out remote and distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this has also opened the doors for the children to several inappropriate online applications such as tik-tok, YouTube, and online games. Recently, it was found that the content shown in various games that children were playing were unsuitable for them and some even triggered aggression and indifferent attitude towards parents. This study investigated the relationship between children’s addiction to smartphone use with particular focus on Android users and their general attitudes and behaviour. A systematic literature review was conducted for related articles published between 2017 and 2021 on lens.org and between 2016 and 2021 in DOAJ. Based on the results, the researchers recommend parents to assist their wards while they’re using a smart phone or a computer, limit their use of gadgets, establish gadget-free areas, and teach them the importance of self-restraint. Keywords: Android generation, moral formation, COVID-19 pandemic