The Effect of Mobile Devices on the Development and Health of Young Children

Launched by SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY · Jan 31, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how the use of mobile devices, like tablets and smartphones, affects the development and health of young children aged 3 to 5 years old. Researchers are looking to find out if using these devices helps or harms children in areas like language skills, behavior, physical health, and how they interact with their parents. They want to understand both how long children use these devices and what they do on them, as some studies suggest that while mobile devices might help with learning, they could also lead to issues like poor sleep and less positive interactions with parents.

To participate, children must be between 3 and 4 years old, and their parents must agree to take part in the study. The researchers will collect information at the beginning of the study and again after one year. Parents will need to download a special app on their devices to track how long their child uses them and what apps are being used. Throughout the study, there will be no risks of physical harm, and parents will receive rewards for their participation. The findings will help guide recommendations for parents and caregivers regarding the use of mobile devices in young children’s lives.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Children between 36 and 48 months old at the time of enrolment, who have received parent/carer consent for participation and provided verbal assent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Parents or child do not speak and/or understand English.
• • Child who is clinically diagnosed with a developmental disorder by a medical professional prior to either baseline or follow-up assessments.