Elsa Mangan1, Justine E Leavy1, Jonine Jancey1. 1. Collaboration for Evidence and Research in Public Health (CERIPH), School of Public Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia.
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED: Over the past decade, mobile device use has increased significantly. Adults are now using their mobile device whilst undertaking a range of work and social activities. This naturalistic study aimed to understand parents/carers' use of mobile devices and their associated beliefs about mobile device use whilst caring for children aged five and younger in playgrounds. METHODS: A mixed methods approach was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from parents/carers. Data were collected by observations (n = 50) and interviews (n = 25) in playgrounds on the North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. RESULTS: Of the 50 observed parents/carers, 76% (n = 38) used their mobile device, with usage time extending to 17.2 minutes of the 20 minute observation period. Text-/type-related mobile device use was most often used (69.6%), followed by voice-related (23.7%) and camera-related mobile device use (6.7%). The 25 interviewed parents/carers beliefs on mobile device use were centred on three themes: diversity of mobile device use, child relationships and mobile device use and the physical environment and mobile device use. CONCLUSION: This study adds to the limited research into parent/carer mobile device use, which has become an integral part of peoples' lifestyle. However, research is required to better understand how parent/carer mobile device use may impact on child supervision and interaction. SO WHAT?: Mobile device use is increasing. We need to better understand its public health impact.
ISSUE ADDRESSED: Over the past decade, mobile device use has increased significantly. Adults are now using their mobile device whilst undertaking a range of work and social activities. This naturalistic study aimed to understand parents/carers' use of mobile devices and their associated beliefs about mobile device use whilst caring for children aged five and younger in playgrounds. METHODS: A mixed methods approach was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from parents/carers. Data were collected by observations (n = 50) and interviews (n = 25) in playgrounds on the North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. RESULTS: Of the 50 observed parents/carers, 76% (n = 38) used their mobile device, with usage time extending to 17.2 minutes of the 20 minute observation period. Text-/type-related mobile device use was most often used (69.6%), followed by voice-related (23.7%) and camera-related mobile device use (6.7%). The 25 interviewed parents/carers beliefs on mobile device use were centred on three themes: diversity of mobile device use, child relationships and mobile device use and the physical environment and mobile device use. CONCLUSION: This study adds to the limited research into parent/carer mobile device use, which has become an integral part of peoples' lifestyle. However, research is required to better understand how parent/carer mobile device use may impact on child supervision and interaction. SO WHAT?: Mobile device use is increasing. We need to better understand its public health impact.
Authors: Katrin Braune-Krickau; Larissa Schneebeli; Jessica Pehlke-Milde; Michael Gemperle; Ramona Koch; Agnes von Wyl Journal: Infant Ment Health J Date: 2021-01-15
Authors: Rebecca Hood; Juliana Zabatiero; Desiree Silva; Stephen R Zubrick; Leon Straker Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-12-06 Impact factor: 3.390