The Effect of Gadget Use on Child Development: A Path Analysis Evidence from Melawi, West Kalimantan

Abstract

Background: The use of gadgets in early childhood can affect the mental and physical development of children. The Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI) estimates that 5-10% of children experience developmental delays. Children's development is influenced by environmental factors, parents, nutritional status, and the use of gadgets. This study aimed to analyze the effect of gadget use on child development in Melawi, West Kalimantan, using path analysis model. Subjects and Method: This was a cross sectional study conducted in Melawi, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, from August to September 2019. A total 200 children aged 3 to 5 years old was selected by fixed exposure sampling. The dependent variable was child development. The independent variables were gadget usage, maternal age, maternal education, maternal employment, family income, number of children, and family type. The data were collected by questionnaire. The data were analyzed by path analysis run on Stata 13. Results: Child development was directly and positively affected by maternal aged ≥20 years old (b= 1.52; 95% CI= -0.29 to 3.35; p= 0.101), high maternal education (b=2.53; 95% CI=1.23 to 3.84; p<0.001), family income ≥Rp 2,288,000 (b= 1.38; 95% CI= 0.01 to 2.77; p= 0.049), and core family type (b= 1.61; 95% CI= 0.43 to 2.80; p= 0.008). Child development was directly and negatively affected by gadget use (b= -2.74; 95% CI= -3.99 to -1.49; p<0.001), mother working outside the house (b= -1.98; 95% CI= -3.06 to -0.90; p<0.001), and number of children >2 (b= -2.48; 95% CI= -3.67 to -1.29; p<0.001). Child development was indirectly affected by maternal education and maternal employment. Conclusion: Child development is directly and positively affected by maternal aged ≥20 years old, high maternal education, high family income, and core family type. Child development is directly and negatively affected by gadget use, mother working outside the house, and number of children >2. Child development is indirectly affected by maternal education and maternal employment.

A Cross Sectional Study on Relationship between Gadget Usage and Child’s Development among Children in Klang Valley

“…Our findings showed that children with gadget usage of 1 hour and more are 3 times more likely to have not on track development compared to those who have never used a gadget or use it less than 1 hour. Notably, this is in line with a study where it was concluded that child development is directly and negatively affected by gadget usage [15] (b = -2.74, 95% CI: -3.99 --1.49; p-value<0.001). This is further supported by research conducted where it was found that children with excessive screen time of >2 hours had parental concerns in communication, problem-solving, and personal-social development [20] .…”

“…Based on our study, having a total number of children of ≥ 2 significantly associated with children spending 1 hour and more on gadgets. This finding is supported by a study which found that child development was directly and negatively affected by families who had a total number of children of >2 [15] (b= -2.48, 95% CI= -3.67 to -1.29; p<0.001). A possibility for this occurrence could be the lack of individual attention given to children who are part of larger families.…”

The Influence of Children's Gadget Use Intensity on Their Social Skills

“…Parental assistance is needed for children to use gadgets. Calorina et al (2020) stated that high family income and the nuclear family structure have a direct and favorable impact on children's development. The mother's usage of gadgets has a direct and detrimental impact on the development of the child.…”

An Overview on Case Internet Addiction in Early Childhood’s Perspective

“…The Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) estimates that 5-10% of children experience developmental delays. This delay can occur because it is influenced by several factors such as environmental factors, parents, nutritional status, and even factors from the use of gadgets themselves (Calorina et al, 2021). In addition, the use of gadgets and the internet without restrictions and supervision from parents can also be a threat and a boomerang for children, especially children at an early age because it can cause damage to their character and personality.…”