Use of electronic devices by toddlers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0217e.39110Keywords:
sedentary behavior; child, preschool; nursing; lifestylesAbstract
Introduction: Currently, children are exposed to a wide range of electronic devices, and this practice is increasing worldwide, replacing active leisure with sedentary behavior.
Objective: To analyze the association between the use of technology by toddlers and demographic and health variables.
Methods: Quantitative, descriptive, and relational study was carried out in 62 private social solidarity institutions and 6 private daycares in central Portugal. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and habits of using electronic devices was collected using a questionnaire administered to the children's parents. Sample of 808 children aged between 12 and 36 months.
Results: During the weekend, exposure to television (M=1h17min; SD=±1h02min) and electronic devices (M=1h10min; SD=±57min) was higher than during the week (M=56min; SD=±46min; M=56min; SD=±49min, respectively). On average, boys (M=3h37min) and children aged 36 months (M=4h26min) spent the most time exposed to screens. Overweight children spent more time watching television, and those with a normal or obese weight percentile spent more time playing with electronic devices. Children who slept less than recommended were the most exposed to screens.
Conclusion: The results reinforce the excessive exposure of children to screens, pointing to the need to promote parental empowerment in the face of risk factors.
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