Digital technologies are an important part of children’s everyday lives, and their increasing use raises questions about the relationship between screen time and various aspects of children’s development and behaviour. This master’s thesis examined the amount of time children spend using screens, their electronic device use habits, and the relationship between screen time and signs of inattention and hyperactivity. We also examined whether screen time, the types of electronic devices used, and the purposes for which they are used differ according to the child’s gender.
The study included 159 parents of children aged 6 to 18 years. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included questions on screen time, types of electronic devices, and purposes of device use, as well as items from the SNAP-IV scale assessing signs of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The results showed that children in all three age groups spent significantly more time using screens on average than recommended by Slovenian screen use guidelines. No statistically significant relationship was found between average daily screen time and signs of inattention or hyperactivity. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences were found between boys and girls in average screen time or in the types of electronic devices they used. However, gender differences were found in some purposes of electronic device use, particularly in playing video games and using social media.
The results indicate that children’s use of digital technologies should not be considered solely in terms of the amount of time spent using screens; the way in which digital technologies are used and the purposes of their use should also be taken into account. The findings contribute to a better understanding of children’s digital habits and provide a basis for further research into the relationship between digital technology use, attention, and hyperactivity.
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