The Relationship between Gadget Addiction Level and Tantrum Behavior in Children Aged 4-6 Years

Early childhood is a critical period for emotional development and behavioral regulation. Increasing digital device use among young children has raised concerns about its association with tantrum behavior, although research examining addiction-related use rather than screen duration alone remains limited. This study aimed to examine the relationship between gadget addiction levels and tantrum behavior among children aged 4–6 years at Widya Santhi Buana Kindergarten, West Denpasar District. A quantitative correlational approach with a cross-sectional design was employed, involving 45 parents or guardians recruited through total sampling. Data were collected on April 15, 2026, through online questionnaires administered using Google Forms. The instruments comprised an adapted Digital Addiction Scale for Children with 25 items, which demonstrated high internal consistency during pilot testing (Cronbach’s α = .977), and the 31-item Rating Scale of Angry Emotional Behavior and Temper Tantrum. Univariate analysis summarized the distributions of gadget addiction levels and tantrum behavior, while Spearman’s rank correlation assessed their relationship. The results showed that 48.9% of children were classified as having moderate gadget addiction levels. Regarding tantrum behavior, 53.3% were classified as exhibiting no tantrum behavior, whereas 22.2% were classified as exhibiting severe tantrum behavior. A strong, positive, and statistically significant correlation was identified between gadget addiction levels and tantrum behavior (ρ = .641, p < .001). Higher parent-reported gadget addiction levels were therefore associated with greater tantrum severity within the participating group. The cross-sectional design and reliance on parent-reported measures limit causal interpretation. These findings may inform parent education concerning supervised device use and consistent family rules. Further research should include larger samples, examine parenting styles and other relevant factors, and use longitudinal designs to clarify the direction of the relationship.