The Effects of Problematic Media Tools Use on Sleep Habits in Children: A Primary School-based Study

Abstract

Objective: The frequent use of media tools among children in almost all aspects of daily life affects their sleep patterns negatively. This study was conducted to determine the effects of problematic media use on sleep habits in children. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted as a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The sample of the study consisted of 370 students enrolled in primary schools in the provincial center of Zonguldak in Turkey. The data were collected face-to-face or via Google forms online based on the preferences of the parents of the children. The data collection instruments included a personal information form, the problematic media use measure (PMUM), and the children’s sleep habits questionnaire (CSHQ). Results: The mean CSHQ score of the children was 63.77±10.23, while their mean PMUM score was 17.80±7.80. The mean age at which the first media tools were purchased for the children was 6.18±2.37. The mean PMUM scores of the children varied significantly based on their genders (p=0.009) and the employment statuses of their mothers (p=0.021). A positive and significant relationship was found between the mean CSHQ and PMUM scores of the children (r=0.214; p<0.001). Conclusion: This research shows that media tools should be used in a controlled manner in primary school children. This is necessary both for the child to acquire a healthy sleep habits and to prevent diseases that may occur due to this reason.

Keywords

• children
• primary school
• problematic media use
• sleep habits