Understanding the influence of digital device on children's social life

• Main Author: Soo, Yeong Yun
• Other Authors: Darren Yeo
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Social sciences::Psychology
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/168455
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In recent years, there was an increased use of digital devices to enhance children’s teaching and learning. Though previous literature was mostly optimistic and positive about implementing digital device as a teaching tool, there were also evidence which showed that excessive use of digital device might damage children’s developing brains. This study intends to examine local Singaporean children’s digital device usage, and how this would affect their social life. Our study recruited 41 parent-child dyads to complete our online survey, and analysed their digital device usage and time spent on other social activities. The results showed that higher digital device usage relates to less time spent with family, and time spent with family in turns relates with child-reported closeness with parents. We also found a significant correlation between children’s digital device usage and the amount of time they spent with friend online, indicating a shift in children’s mode of communication. However, how this might affect their interaction with peers is not clear. . Lastly, we also found a strong correlation between parent’s and children’s attitude towards digital device. This implies a crucial role for parents to play in children’s use of digital device.