Mobile media exposure and use in children with and without neurodevelopmental disorder: A comparative analysis

Abstract

Objective: It was aimed in the study to evaluate and compare the purpose, frequency, and scope of mobile media use in children with neurodevelopmental disorder and those without neurodevelopmental disorder. Methods: This study planned with a comparative design was conducted with the participation of the mothers of 111 children with neurodevelopmental disorder and 237 children without neurodevelopmental disorder. The data were collected through a self-report questionnaire. Results: Most of the children had their own personal mobile media devices (with neurodevelopmental disorder=96.4%, without neurodevelopmental disorder=90.7%), and the majority used their mobile media devices to watch videos (with neurodevelopmental disorder=100.0%, without neurodevelopmental disorder=77.6%). Children with neurodevelopmental disorder used mobile media devices at an earlier age, and their duration of use in the day was longer (p<0.05). Conclusion: Education programs for mothers should be prepared in line with expert opinions which aim at reducing use of mobile media devices and screen exposure. Nurses should play a role in the development and evaluation of intervention programmes to prevent the negative consequences of mobile media use and screen exposure, especially in primary health care centres.