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Parental Awareness and Practices Regarding Electronic Devices' Effects on Children's Sleep: A Cross-Sectional Study
Ahoud Ali Al-Shammary1, Nouf Fahad Aldawsari1, Rana Ali Alharfi1
1College of Medicine Majmaah University Majmaah Saudi Arabia.
Public Health Challenges
|June 17, 2026
Summary
Parents are aware of smart device risks to children's sleep and vision, but struggle with consistent limits, especially for young children. Parental education influences awareness, yet effective regulation remains a challenge.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Child Development
Background:
- Widespread digital device use among children and adolescents is linked to sleep disturbances and behavioral issues.
- Excessive screen time, particularly before bed, disrupts sleep and can lead to emotional and cognitive problems.
- Understanding parental perspectives on smart device use is vital for mitigating negative health impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess parental awareness, beliefs, and practices regarding smart device use in children and adolescents.
- To investigate the relationship between parental education and awareness of device-related risks.
- To identify challenges in regulating children's screen time and its impact on sleep and behavior.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 400 parents of healthy children and adolescents in Majmaah.
- Online questionnaires collected data on demographics, parental awareness, beliefs, and practices.
- Statistical analysis included chi-square and t-tests (p < 0.05) using SPSS Version 27.
Main Results:
- Most parents (86.75%) were aware of negative effects, especially on sleep (93%) and vision (92.75%).
- Despite awareness and attempts to limit use (77.5%), many children exceeded recommended screen time, impacting sleep and behavior.
- Parental education level was significantly associated with awareness (p < 0.05), but consistent regulation proved challenging, particularly for children aged 0-5.
Conclusions:
- Educated parents in Majmaah recognize smart device risks but face difficulties in enforcing screen time limits, especially for younger children.
- Parental education correlates with awareness, but effective management of device use to protect children's sleep and overall health requires structured guidance and limits.
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