Parents’ Attitudes Toward School Students’ Overuse of Smartphones and Its Detrimental Health Impacts: Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background Parents’ awareness of the risks of the overuse of smartphones (SPs) among their children and parents’ attitudes toward this societal phenomenon are crucial factors to consider when investigating the causes and effects of, as well as interventions to control, this public health issue. Objective This study aimed to explore the awareness and attitudes of parents regarding SP overuse among their children and the detrimental impacts associated with it. Methods The qualitative method of semistructured face-to-face interviews was used to collect data from fathers and mothers of children aged 6-18 years from all 6 educational/governorate regions in the governmental sector in Kuwait. Results A total of 120 parents agreed to participate in the study; there were more female (75/120, 62.5%) than male (45/120, 37.5%) respondents. Almost all of the participants (118/120, 98.3%) were aware that the overuse of SPs could lead to their children becoming addicted to the devices; they were also aware that there could be side effects on their children’s health (117/120, 97.5%). Although the participants, mostly the mothers, supervised their children’s use of SPs closely (106/120, 88.3%), the majority could not control their children’s length of time using SPs, as the children considered this a deprivation of their rights. Eye-related problems, headaches, and anger were the most common side effects experienced by the children. Conclusions Although the parents were aware of the detrimental impacts of SP overuse, the majority could not control the length of time their children spent using the devices. It was found that strong social bonds among family members play a large role in controlling the use of SPs. A number of solutions for families and the government to combat the overuse of SPs are suggested.

Correlates of parental knowledge about smartphone exposure among young children

“…While unable to find any studies that cite a parenting knowledge gap in this area, we believe the latter may be explained by the especially close bonding mothers have with young children, which would lead them to be more concerned about smartphone exposure among their offspring. This view is supported by Buabbas et al, 23 who reported that mothers supervised their children's smartphone use more than fathers.…”

From “online brains” to “online lives”: understanding the individualized impacts of Internet use across psychological, cognitive and social dimensions

“…While many "normal" behaviors not involving the Internet have the potential to become addictive, an emerging body of qualitative research has begun to shed light on how the online world specifically seems to exert a strong compulsion towards constant usage in some young people 26,27,29,[35][36][37][38][39][40][41] . Adolescents express concerns about a "constant stream of entertainment" 41 , affecting critical activities such as homework and sleep 38,41 . Some young people connect their digital behaviors to addiction-like cravings.…”

How do smart devices control and changes the lifestyle habits of human being? A study in the context of Bangladesh

“…98.3% of parents are agreed that the overuse of mobile phones led to online addiction among their children and which could be side effects of their health like; eye problems, headaches, and anger. Besides, most mothers can't control their children's habits in using mobile phones (Buabbas et al, 2021). Besides that, now focused on the technological connection with religious status.…”