Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Abstract
Mobile screen time among school children has become increasingly prevalent, raising concerns about its impact on health and behaviour. This study explores the relationship between screen time and various health aspects in a sample of 1604 school children aged 10‐16 years. A schoolbased research study was conducted to investigate the health impacts of mobile screen time. A sample of 1604 school children, aged 10‐16 years, was surveyed. The sample size was determined using stratified random sampling, considering age and gender. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, covering screen time duration, health aspects, and behavioural effects. The results revealed significant patterns associated with screen time duration. A majority of children preferred indoor activities (77.70%) over outdoor play. Nuclear families were more common (62.91%) compared to joint families. Importantly, 80.35% of children borrowed mobile phones from their parents. Concerningly, children who used mobile phones for 4‐6 hrs exhibited difficulty in concentrating, with variations observed between genders. A considerable number of children in this usage group relied on mobiles to relieve dysphoric moods. Additionally, extended screen time was linked to various health and behavioral issues, including sleep deprivation, aggression, impatience and physical symptoms like light‐headedness and easy fatigability. Excessive screen time, particularly in the range of 4‐6 hrs was found to be associated with various health and behavioral challenges among school children. Boys and girls displayed differing patterns of screen time‐related impacts, highlighting the need for gender‐specific interventions. Parental involvement is critical in managing children’s screen time, given the prevalence of borrowed mobile phones. Promoting outdoor play, educating parents about responsible screen time management and developing interventions to reduce screen time are essential steps to safeguard the well‐being of school children. Mobile Screen Time and Its Impact on the Health of School Children. A School‐ Based Research Study.
How to cite this article:
Abhinay Bhaskar Darwade, Sunil Dhansing Pagare, Vinod Vasant Patil and Avinash Dinkar Saindane. Mobile Screen Time and Its Impact on the Health of School Children: A School‐Based Research Study.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.59218/makrjms.2023.12.131.135
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.59218/makrjms.2023.12.131.135