Analyzing the Caregivers' behavioral patterns in managing their young Children's smartphone use in South Korea

As the age of exposure to screen media has decreased, problematic smartphone usage is becoming more prevalent among younger children. As children's smartphone use is often determined by their caregivers, understanding their motivations for allowing young children to use smartphones is crucial. This study aimed to explore the behavioral patterns of main caregivers in South Korea related to their young children's smartphone usage and the underlying motivations.

Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using grounded theory methodology.

Fifteen participants from South Korea, identifying as main caregivers of young children under six years of age and expressing concerns about their children's smartphone usage patterns, were recruited. A core category describing caregiver' behaviors of managing children to use smartphones was identified as "Maintaining a vicious cycle to seek comfort in parenting." Their behavioral patterns appeared to be cyclical, alternating between permitting and restricting their children's smartphone use. They permitted their children to use smartphones to decrease their parenting burdens. However, this led to discomfort as they perceived the negative impacts of smartphones on their children and felt guilty. Consequently, they limited smartphone use, which increased their parental burden again.

Parental education and policy efforts are essential to prevent risks associated with children's problematic smartphone usage.

During regular health checkups for young children, nurses should assess potential smartphone overuse and related problems, considering caregiver motivations.