The Effect of Mobile Devices on the Development and Health of Young Children
This study aims to understand how using phones and tablets affects the health and learning of young children in the UK. Many people are unsure about the benefits and harms of these devices. Researchers will invite 3-to-5-year-old children and their parents from different backgrounds to take part. For one year, an app will track how long children use devices and which apps they open. The study will look at how this impacts their memory, attention, social skills, and school readiness. It will also check their physical activity, weight, and how parents and children interact. The findings will help create better health advice for families.
At a glance
What is this study about?
You might wonder how using tablets and smartphones, sometimes called interactive electronic devices (IEDs), affects young children. These devices are very common now, but we don't fully understand if they are always good or bad for kids. Some studies suggest they might affect sleep, eyesight, or even make parent-child interactions less positive. However, other studies say they could help with learning language, reading, numbers, and science, especially when parents and children use them together.
Because there's so much mixed information, health experts haven't been able to give clear advice to families. Parents and nursery staff have told us they feel confused and want more guidance. This study wants to help answer these important questions by looking closely at how device use impacts children's long-term health and development.
Over one year, we will follow children aged 3 to 5 to see how their device use affects many areas of their life. This includes how well they learn and grow, their physical health (like weight and how much they move), their small and large muscle skills, how they interact with their parents, and how ready they are for school. We hope the results will help policymakers create clear and helpful guidelines for all families in the UK.
Key takeaways
- Study explores how phones/tablets affect 3-5 year olds.
- Aims to create clearer health guidance for families.
- Looks at learning, health, movement, and social skills.
- Involves tracking device use with an app for one year.
- No physical risks; rewards for participation.
- Results will help shape future advice for parents and policymakers.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for children aged between 3 and 4 years old when they first join. Their parent or guardian will need to give permission, and the child should also say they are happy to take part.
Children won't be able to join if their parents or guardians don't speak or understand English. Also, if a child has already been told by a doctor that they have a developmental problem, they can't take part. This helps make sure the study can focus on typical development in relation to device use.
We are inviting families from all income areas across England to ensure we get a wide range of experiences and help create guidance that's useful for everyone.
- Is your child between 3 and 4 years old right now?
- Do you, as a parent/guardian, speak and understand English?
- Has your child *not* been diagnosed with a developmental problem by a doctor?
- Are you happy for your child to be assessed and for an app to track their device use?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the study will involve two main check-ins: one at the beginning and another one year later. During these times, your child's development will be assessed using a special app on an iPad, looking at things like their memory, attention, and learning skills.
Parents will be asked to download a research app called EARS onto your child's smartphone or tablet. This app will simply track how long your child uses the device and what apps they open. You'll be advised to delete this app after each check-in. Besides the child's assessments and the device tracking, we'll also collect information on things like your child's weight, movement, and how you interact with them. We'll also ask parents some questions about family life and device use. Each check-in session for data collection will be rewarded with a £30 high street e-voucher for parents.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Sheffield Hallam UniversitySheffield, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Early Years settingsSheffield, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What kind of devices are you interested in?
We're looking at tablets and smartphones – any interactive electronic devices that young children use.
Will my information be kept private?
Yes, all your information will be kept confidential and used only for this research.
Do I have to pay for anything?
No, there are no costs for you to participate in this study. You'll even get a voucher for taking part.
What if my child has special needs?
Children who have already been diagnosed with a developmental disorder by a doctor unfortunately cannot join this specific study.
What happens with the findings?
The findings will help create better health advice for families and be shared with parents, experts, and policymakers.
How to find out more
Liane Beretta de Azevedo, Professor
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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