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Parental perceptions of preschooler screen time and physical activity in Chennai
Nandhini S1, Abishek J R1, Vadivelan Kanniappan2
1SRM College of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, 603203, India.
Insights
Parents recognize screen time (ST) risks and physical activity (PA) benefits for preschoolers but need support. Educational interventions can promote balanced digital and active lifestyles for young children.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Public Health
- Parenting Studies
Background:
- Preschoolers in India exceed recommended screen time (ST), while physical activity (PA) declines, contributing to childhood obesity.
- Early childhood is a sensitive period for development, significantly impacted by ST and PA.
- Parental views and practices regarding ST and PA in urban Indian settings are under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore parental perceptions of screen time and physical activity in preschool children.
- To understand the influence of parenting practices on children's ST and PA behaviors.
- To identify barriers and facilitators to managing ST and PA in urban Indian families.
Main Methods:
- Phenomenological qualitative research design.
- Purposive sampling of 11 mothers of preschool children in Chennai.
- Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews followed by thematic analysis of transcripts.
Main Results:
- Parents perceive ST overuse negatively, citing behavioral issues, reduced attention, and sleep disturbances.
- Screens are used for behavior regulation, distraction, and educational purposes; control measures are inconsistently applied.
- Physical activity is viewed as crucial for health and development, but safety and space limitations pose barriers; family engagement is key.
Conclusions:
- Parents acknowledge ST risks and PA benefits but require guidance for effective strategy implementation.
- Community programs and educational interventions are essential for fostering balanced digital and active lifestyles in preschoolers.
- Addressing parental knowledge gaps and providing practical support can improve ST and PA management.
Background:
In India, preschoolers surpass the proposed one hour of screen time (ST) a day, whereas physical activity (PA) is on the decline and is contributing to childhood obesity. Sensitive periods of psychosocial, cognitive, and neurological development occur during early childhood and are affected by ST and PA. Parenting practices are important, but parental views and practices are not well researched in urban areas like Chennai.
Methods:
Phenomenological qualitative research with purposive sampling was undertaken to discuss parents' perceptions of ST and PA in preschool children. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were carried out with 11 mothers of preschool children. Transcripts were coded and thematically analysed.
Results:
Two main themes were revealed: parental perceptions on ST and parental perceptions on PA. Parents acknowledged the dangers of overuse of ST, such as bad behaviour, lower attention span, and disturbed sleep. Screens were frequently employed to regulate tantrums, keep children occupied during domestic chores, or as a didactic aid. Control measures involved observing, setting time, parent locks, and substitutive activities, albeit with inconsistent enforcement. Parents saw PA as imperative to health, socialisation, and emotional regulation, with children playing games, cycling, and playing out-of-doors. Barriers involved safety, restricted play areas, weather, and other competing demands. Family engagement and mutual play were emphasized as efficient strategies.
Conclusion:
Parents acknowledged the danger of ST and utility of PA, but they need assistance and coordinated guidance to apply efficient strategies. Community programs and educational interventions are crucial to advance balanced digital and active lifestyles among preschoolers.
