Abstract
Introduction: Smart devices usage has increased among children recently. Young children are using smart devices anytime and anywhere, especially with the invention of smart phones and the replacement of desktop computers with digital tablets. With the rapid improvement advancement in smart devices, there is an explosion of electronic media games/education packages directed at preschool children in many societies.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study dealing with the knowledge, attitude, and practices of children in elementary school about using smart devices was conducted in Majmaah city, Saudi Arabia. The data was collected from 231 participants aged between 7-12 years using a close ended self-administered questionnaire.
Results: Majority of the participants 176 (76.2%) were using smart devices for playing but very few 10 (4.3%) were using them to help studying. Majority of the parents strongly agree that using the devices have a negative effect on studying, sleeping, behavior (aggressiveness) and physical activities of their children. Only 52 (22.5%) of the parents are aware about risks of the smart devices. Children who playing game are not aware of its risks p=0.012. Children's attention significantly reduced after using of smart devices for two hours or more p=0.041.
Conclusion: Smart devices are widely available and regularly accessed by families and their elementary school children as an accepted part of daily life. This raises the need for parents to monitor their children's smart devices use to minimize potential health and development. Many issues were identified within this study including the negative impact of smart devices and the link between children's behavior and smart devices.