A “Snap” of Portable Media Use Among Children Two Years and Younger in a Developing Country

Abstract

Introduction: Tablets and smartphones have become ubiquitous in the lives of young children. Literature from developed countries has shown both positive and negative long-term effects of screen exposure and use on developmental milestones; however, no information is available for developing countries. This study assesses the prevalence of device use among children 2 years and younger and parent perception of the impact of these devices. Methods: Parents of healthy children (≤ 2 years) were approached at an out-patient pediatric clinic in an urban teaching hospital between May-July 2016. After consenting, parents were asked to interview with one of the investigators based on a 40-item questionnaire divided into 4 main sections: demographics, availability and accessibility of portable devices, use of devices and parents’ perception. Results: 71 questionnaires were analyzed. Most families lived in urban areas (73%) and at least one parent was university-educated (82%). All households had at least 1 media device; 65% of children were allowed to use devices before the age of 228% independently. Most children (62%) were allowed access for <1 hour/day:25% for entertainment, most commonly YouTube (54%). Majority of parents (80%) believed the use of portable media devices had a negative impact on their child, yet 60% perceived their children were calmer when using them and 44% got irritated when devices were taken away. Conclusion: Among well-educated urban families in a developing country, exposure of children to mobile media devices starts as early as infancy, despite parental perception of their potentially negative impact on the child. *Correspondence to: Rana Sharara-Chami, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236 Riad El Solh 110 72020 Beirut, Lebanon, Tel: +961-1-350000 extension 5536; Fax +961-1-370781; E-mail: rsharara@aub.edu.lb