Table 3 Summary of results and comparison of devices. An item is checked where it had been reported by at least one mother
From: Mothers’ views of their preschool child’s screen-viewing behaviour: a qualitative study
Television | Computer | Interactive media | |
|---|---|---|---|
How and why devices are used | |||
Set/regular time of day/week | ✓ | ||
Ad hoc times of day/week | ✓ | ✓ | |
Parent permission only | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Free access | ✓ | ✓ | |
Specific content chosen by parent | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Free play | ✓ | ||
Independently | ✓ | ✓ | |
With family members | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Supervision needed | ✓ | ||
No supervision needed | ✓ | ✓ | |
Reasons for use | |||
For child to rest | ✓ | ✓ | |
Education | ✓ | ✓ | |
Babysitter | ✓ | ✓ | |
To calm child, prevent negative behaviour | ✓ | ✓ | |
Used as a punishment/reward | ✓ | ✓ | |
Family time | ✓ | ||
Computer skills / school ready | ✓ | ✓ | |
Distraction tool outside of the home | ✓ | ||
Mothers attitude towards screen-viewing | |||
+ Educational | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
+ Acceptable in moderation and balance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
+ Valuable behaviour management tool | ✓ | ✓ | |
+ Important skill development for child | ✓ | ✓ | |
-Concerns about unsuitable content | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
-Concerns about addictive nature | ✓ | ✓ | |
-Concerns about change in behaviour | ✓ | ✓ | |
-Concerns over sedentary nature | ✓ | ✓ | |
-Concerns about solitary nature/social skill development | ✓ | ||
-Feelings of needing to use screen viewing rather than wanting to | ✓ | ✓ | |
Influences of screen viewing | |||
Child’s engagement to device | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Siblings | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Fathers | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Mothers’ childhood experience | ✓ | ✓ | |