สถานการณ์การใช้หน้าจอดิจิทัลและบริบทการดูแลในเด็กปฐมวัยเขตเมืองและชนบท ของภาคตะวันออกเฉียงเหนือของไทย: การศึกษาเชิงพรรณนา

Anucha Promkanya; Kanjana Satirapongkul

Authors

Anucha Promkanya Faculty of nursing, Chaiyaphum Rajabhat University
Kanjana Satirapongkul Faculty of Nursing, Chaiyaphum Rajabhat University

Keywords:

early childhood, digital screen use, parents, Northeastern Thailand

Abstract

Introduction: Digital screen use is common among young children, but excessive use and limited caregiver involvement may reduce opportunities for play and developmental interactions. Examining screen-use patterns in family contexts in Northeastern Thailand is therefore important. Objectives: To examine the age at first screen exposure, screen-use duration, types and purposes of digital devices, and caregiving contexts during screen use among young children in urban and rural areas of Northeastern Thailand. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 400 young children, with data collected from their parents or primary caregivers using multistage sampling and a structured questionnaire. The instrument demonstrated good reliability (ICC = 0.91; Cohen’s kappa = 0.82–0.88). Data were collected over six months and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The mean age at first screen exposure was 2.1 years, with 67.3% exposed before age 2. Mean daily screen use was 2.8 hours, and 62.8% used screens for more than 2 hours per day. Smartphones were the most commonly used devices (71.2%), primarily for entertainment (74.5%) and keeping children occupied while caregivers worked (51.3%). Caregiving context: Screens were mainly used to keep children occupied while caregivers worked (58.8%), followed by non-interactive supervision (51.3%). Urban areas had more non-interactive supervision (55.0%), while rural areas mainly used screens to keep children occupied (70.0%).
Conclusion: Young children in Northeastern Thailand commonly begin screen use at an early age and spend substantial time using digital screens. Solitary use and screen use as a caregiving aid are prevalent, particularly in rural areas, highlighting the need for appropriate screen-use management and greater caregiver involvement. Implications: Parents and caregivers should be supported to manage screen use appropriately, reduce use in risky contexts, and promote coviewing and interactive communication, particularly in rural and multigenerational caregiving families.

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