Examining the Use of Technological Tools by Children Between the Ages of Zero and Three, Based on Parental Views*

Abstract

Technology has an important place in the lives of individuals and is also present in the lives of children from an early age. The use of technological tools, especially in early childhood can have a profound effect on children's developmental processes. The aim of the study is to examine the use of technological devices by children between the ages of zero and three based on parental views. The study, based on the descriptive research model, was conducted with parents who live in Turkey, have a social media or e-mail account, and have children between the ages of zero and three. The sample was determined using the snowball sampling method. Data from 310 parents who volunteered to participate in the study, had children between 0-36 months old, and answered all the questions in the data collection tool were evaluated. In the study, data were collected online via Google Form prepared by the researchers and analyzed using descriptive analysis and chi-square test. According to the research results, the most frequently used technological device by parents is the smartphone, followed by television, computers and tablets. It was also determined that parents give technological devices to their children most often when feeding them or doing work. According to parents' opinions, the technological devices most frequently used by children are smartphones, followed by television and tablets. The research shows that increasing parental awareness regarding the balanced and conscious use of technology is important in supporting the healthy development of children from an early age.