A BSTRACT Background: This observational study investigates how novice mothers perceive the impact of screen time on their children’s well-being. With digital devices becoming more common in households, understanding parental perspectives is vital for promoting healthy developmental environments. Methods: The study utilized a self-constructed Likert-type screen-time awareness questionnaire, whose content and face validity were assessed, to interview 200 mothers with children aged between 1 and 6 years. The focus was on understanding perceived benefits and concerns related to screen usage. Results: The study found that 92.1% of mothers recognized the risk of eye problems from screen time, 87.75% noted its potential to cause pain in the back, neck, and shoulders, and 89.7% understood its impact on poor posture. Additionally, 86.7% of mothers were aware that excessive screen exposure could lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and 75.9% acknowledged a possible link to autism-like symptoms. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for balanced guidelines that promote positive screen interactions while reducing negative effects. This research adds to the broader discussion on digital parenting strategies and child development.
Khisty et al. (Wed,) studied this question.