Abstract
Research problem
Advances in technology have ensured its inevitable integration in our life. Children, being at a vulnerable age period of development, are spending more time on electronic devices. Some studies reported negative effects on sleep, physical health such as obesity and vision problems, and behavioral changes such as aggressive behavior with exposure to violent media content.
Research significance
We will study the effect of using electronic devices on communication skills in children in Saudi Arabia. Our findings can be used to raise awareness on this matter.
Research objectives
The aim of our study is to examine the association between screen time and social communication skills among children of four years to six years of age in Saudi Arabia.
Research methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the relationship between social skills development and screen time by using a validated Arabic version of the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ). The sample in this study consists of 308 children from four to six years of age.
Research results
The results showed that the hours spent using the electronic device were significantly associated with having an SCQ score ≥ 15 (P < 0.05). A high SCQ score was prevalent in 19.7% (n = 31) of children who spent >3 hours using an electronic device compared to 10.2% (n = 5) and 7.84% (n = 8) of children who spent an hour or <2 hours using electronic devices, respectively.
Conclusion
Our study highlighted a significant association between the daily hours spent on devices and having an SCQ score above 15, which suggests a deficit in social skill development and having autism spectrum disorder-like symptoms.