Preschool children's digital media usage and self-regulation skill

This study aimed to examine self-regulation skill of 4-6-year-old children regarding digital media usage. The data were collected through the questionnaire, which includes self-regulation skills of 4-6-year-old Children (Mother Form), and the demographic information section was filled by 911 volunteer mothers who live in Turkey. Children’s digital media usage was examined in terms of the amount of time spent with digital media tools, the types of digital media tools used, and which content was preferred. Analysis of the results clearly showed that the more time children spent using digital media the more likely they were to have lower level of self-regulation. In addition, children who did not use smartphones exhibited higher levels of self-regulation than those who did. Moreover, preferring horror or violent content was associated with the low level of children’s self-regulation. On the other hand, children’s preference for educational and foreign language content on digital media appeared to be related to a high score in self-regulation. The study results show a relationship between digital media usage and self-regulation skill. The study suggests that children’s amount of spent time with digital media tools might be limited, the content might be controlled, and types of digital media tools might be carefully chosen. Parents have an important role here. They should be aware that improper digital media usage is harmful to children’s self-regulation skill.