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Mobile device use when caring for children 0‐5 years: A naturalistic playground study
Author(s) -
Mangan Elsa,
Leavy Justine E.,
Jancey Jonine
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
health promotion journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2201-1617
pISSN - 1036-1073
DOI - 10.1002/hpja.38
Subject(s) - mobile device , mobile technology , qualitative research , focus group , public health , naturalistic observation , medicine , psychology , nursing , computer science , social psychology , sociology , world wide web , social science , anthropology
Abstract Issue addressed Over the past decade, mobile device use has increased significantly. Adults are now using their mobile device whilst undertaking a range of work and social activities. This naturalistic study aimed to understand parents/carers’ use of mobile devices and their associated beliefs about mobile device use whilst caring for children aged five and younger in playgrounds. Methods A mixed methods approach was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from parents/carers. Data were collected by observations (n = 50) and interviews (n = 25) in playgrounds on the North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Results Of the 50 observed parents/carers, 76% (n = 38) used their mobile device, with usage time extending to 17.2 minutes of the 20 minute observation period. Text‐/type‐related mobile device use was most often used (69.6%), followed by voice‐related (23.7%) and camera‐related mobile device use (6.7%). The 25 interviewed parents/carers beliefs on mobile device use were centred on three themes: diversity of mobile device use, child relationships and mobile device use and the physical environment and mobile device use. Conclusion This study adds to the limited research into parent/carer mobile device use, which has become an integral part of peoples’ lifestyle. However, research is required to better understand how parent/carer mobile device use may impact on child supervision and interaction. So what? Mobile device use is increasing. We need to better understand its public health impact.