Characteristics of digital devices and their use by school children in modern conditions

Abstract

Introduction. The widespread and uncontrolled use of information and communication technologies by children has determined the purpose of the present research as to identify the varieties, purpose, frequency, intensity, screen timing, and usage duration of modern digital devices and the Internet by schoolchildren and their impact on the psycho-emotional state. Materials and methods. A questionnaire survey was conducted on nine hundred schoolchildren between 11 and 17 years of age from general education schools. Results. Irrespective of age and gender, each of the surveyed schoolchildren had several types of digital devices. All schoolchildren had regular Internet access and, in almost 87% of cases, were connected via smartphone or cell phone. In addition, 75% of schoolchildren use modern digital devices to prepare for classwork/homework, and 84% use them for various games and entertainment. Almost 10% of schoolchildren use digital devices and spend four or more hours a day on social media. More than half of children use electronic devices and the Internet during the day, evening, and night. In 17% of cases, children experienced negative feelings when using digital devices and social networks. Limitations. One standard method of assessing children’s education and recreation mode is to conduct a survey questionnaire. Still, in our opinion, a comprehensive assessment of digital devices and Internet usage mode would be more evident with timed observations over a 7–10-day period. Moreover, in our work, we encountered the problem of limited access to schools (due to the choice of schools for study by the Ministry of Public Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan) and schoolchildren (due to classes chosen for investigation by the school administration). Conclusion. The results obtained were the basis for the development of methodological recommendations on the regime and regulatory standards for the use of digital devices and the Internet, as well as for the revised Sanitary norms, rules, and hygienic normative “Hygienic requirements for the use of information and communication technologies in general education school of the Republic of Uzbekistan” compliance with which will level the deficiencies in the daily routine of schoolchildren.