Observational studyPloS one2021
Smartphone use patterns and problematic smartphone use among preschool children.
Observational study in PloS one, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 31 papers, 3 of them syntheses that pooled it.
What it found
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The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
31 citing papers in PubMed, 3 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.
- Global prevalence of myopia in children using digital devices: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC pediatrics · 2025Pooled it
- Game-based learning in early childhood education: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Frontiers in psychology · 2024Pooled it
- Problematic Media Use among Children up to the Age of 10: A Systematic Literature Review.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2023Pooled it
- Analyzing the Prevalence of Smartphone Addiction (SA) Among Preschoolers (3-6 Years) and Its Demographic and Familial Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Noakhali District, Bangladesh.TheScientificWorldJournal · 2026Article
- Correlates of mobile device use in young children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ public health · 2026Article
- The Dual Impact of Smartphone App Usage Diversity on Quality of Life: The Moderating Roles of Age and Digital Literacy.European journal of investigation in health, psychology and education · 2025Article
- Observational
- Smartphone-free European children: goal 2050.Pediatric research · 2025Article
- Problematic Digital Technology Use Measures in Children Aged 0 to 6 Years: Scoping Review.JMIR mental health · 2025Article
- What Personality Dimensions May Influence the Risk of Smartphone Addiction in Children?Children (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Article
- Validity, reproducibility, and reliability of the Brazilian version of the smartphone addiction scale-short version in children.Revista paulista de pediatria : orgao oficial da Sociedade de Pediatria de Sao Paulo · 2025Article
- Harsh parenting and preschool children's screen time: the mediating role of parent-child relationships and the moderating effect of mindful parenting.Frontiers in psychology · 2025Article
- Alterations in functional connectivity in the salience network shared by depressive symptoms and smartphone overuse.Scientific reports · 2024Article
- Smartphone Addiction among Adolescents in Southern Italy and Correlation with Other Risky Behaviors.Actas espanolas de psiquiatria · 2024Observational
- Changes in Smartphone Usage among Adolescents and Associated Subjective Health Concerns: A Secondary Analysis of the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey.Children (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024Article
- From temperament to YouTube: exploring the link between childhood temperament, YouTube usage patterns, and emotional/behavioral problems among children.BMC public health · 2024Article
- Smartphone and tablet use pattern in children up to 5 years old in Spain: a cross-sectional study.Revista latino-americana de enfermagem · 2024Article
- Mother Phubbing and Child Problematic Media Use: The Role of Mother-Child Relationship and Paternal Coparenting.Psychology research and behavior management · 2024Article
- Problematic Smartphone Use and Its Relationship With Anxiety and Suicidal Ideation Among South Korean Adolescents.Psychiatry investigation · 2023Article
- Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
2 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundThe purpose of the present study was to identify smartphone use patterns associated with problematic smartphone use (PSU) among preschool children. Little is known about PSU patterns in younger children, although the age for first smartphone use is decreasing.
methodsWe applied a cross-sectional study design to analyze data obtained from a nationwide survey on smartphone overdependence conducted in 2017 by the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Information Society Agency. Data from 1,378 preschool children were analyzed using binomial logistic regression analysis. This study was conducted in compliance with STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology).
resultsSeventeen percent of the sample met the criteria for PSU. The odds of PSU significantly increased with frequent smartphone use and in children who used a smartphone for more than two hours per day. Using smartphones to watch TV shows or videos for entertainment or fun significantly increased the odds of PSU, whereas using smartphones for education, games, and social networking did not.
conclusionsThe findings indicate that one of five preschool children using smartphones could experience PSU. Compared to other age groups, PSU in young children may be more associated with their caregivers. To prevent PSU in preschool children, caregivers need information about the total screen time recommended for children, smartphone use patterns associated with PSU, suggestions for other activities as possible alternatives to smartphone use, and strategies to strengthen children's self-regulation with regards to smartphone use.
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