An Investigation into the Effects of Preschoolers’ Use of Electronic Gadgets on the Social and Emotional Development

This research examined the impact of digital device use on the social and emotional development of preschool-aged children, reflecting the growing importance of technology in young children's lives. The researcher utilized a comprehensive research design to investigate the effects of devices on preschoolers based on parents’ perspectives, which was gathered through a comprehensive survey. The study identifies a weak but statistically significant correlation between the use of electronic devices and certain aspects of social and emotional development. This finding suggests that while digital technology may have some influence, it is unlikely to be the primary or sole determinant of developmental outcomes in preschoolers. The study concludes that the relationship between technological device usage and developmental outcomes is complex and influenced by multiple factors. Potentially more significant variables include the type of content accessed, the role of parental guidance, and the broader context of device use. The weak correlation underscores the need for further investigation into these additional variables and their impact on child development. The outcome of this study provided data to the researcher to create an intervention plan in order to address the three main concerns of parents based on their children’s gadget usage. The researcher hopes that the recommendations will assist the parents, teachers, and policy makers in creating a more balanced approach to using technological devices and neutralize the possible negative effects on the preschoolers if no intervention is provided.