Parental Awareness and Practices Regarding Electronic Devices' Effects on Children's Sleep: A Cross-Sectional Study

Adequate sleep is essential for children and adolescents, supporting mental, physical, and academic development. Increasingly, widespread use of digital devices, including smartphones, tablets, and video games, has been linked to poor sleep quality, delayed bedtimes, and behavioral issues. Excessive screen time, particularly before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns and increase the risk of emotional and cognitive problems. Understanding parental awareness, beliefs, and practices regarding children's use of smart devices is crucial to mitigate these negative effects.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2023 to May 2024 among 400 parents of healthy children and adolescents in Majmaah. Data were collected through online-based questionnaires assessing on the basis of educational level, complete structured questionnaire covering demographics, beliefs, and practices. Analysis was performed using SPSS Version 27, applying chi-square and t-tests with a significance level of p < 0.05.

The study included 400 parents, predominantly females (79.75%) and married (66.5%), with most holding a bachelor's degree (49%) and having more than four children (41.5%). Most parents (86.75%) were aware of the negative effects of smart devices, particularly on sleep (93%) and vision (92.75%). Although 77.5% enforced device limits and 86% sought medical care for related symptoms, many children still exceeded recommending screen time, affecting sleep and behavior. Parental education was significantly associated with awareness (p < 0.05). Findings highlight that despite high awareness, consistent regulation of device use remains challenging, especially in younger children.

This study assessed parents' awareness and practices regarding children's smart device use in Majmaah. Educated parents recognized risks to sleep and vision, yet many struggled to limit usage, especially in children aged 0-5 years. Parental education correlated with awareness, and device use affected sleep. Findings highlight the need for parental guidance and structured screen time limits to protect children's health.