THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE USE OF GADGET AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Abstract

Emotional development among preschool children is influenced by several factors. Preschool children are often exposed to gadgets. This study is intended to investigate the relationship between the use of gadgets and emotional development of preschool children. This research used analytic observational design with cross sectional approach. Sampling technique used probability sampling by cluster sampling which amounted to as many as 104 respondent with two research sites at Al-Fitroh and Budi Mulia kindergarten in Surabaya. The research instrument was questionnaires assesment both the use of gadgets of which validity and reability test has been under taken. Emotional development as measured by SDQ (Strenght Difficulties Questionnaire) questionnaire. The result of the research intensity and attitude use of gadget in preschool children were mostly found to experience in the moderate category. Emotional development is mostly in the borderline category. Based on the result of the Spearman's Rho test, which obtained a р value = 0.000 (ρ<0.05) with OR value = -0.363 which means that use of gadget and was less related with emotional development of preschool children. Use of gadget among preschool children should be controlled and assisted. Parent can by distract the children by introducing traditional games. This can be a way for parents to stimulate and develop emotional skills of children.