INFLUENCE OF PARENTAL SCREEN TIME ON STUDY HABITS & BEHAVIORAL DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

Abstract

In today’s digital age, many parents spend excessive time on screens, which affects their interaction with children. This leads to children feeling lonely and struggling with consistent study habits. This research finds the influence of parental screen time on the study habits and behavioral development of children in early childhood, focusing on children aged 3 to 8 years Using a quantitative survey research design, data was collected from a sample of 200 parents across Punjab, Pakistan, through a non-random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was employed. The instrument’s reliability was confirmed over appropriate statistical procedures. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Key findings reveal moderate & significant correlation amid parental screen time and children's independent study habits suggesting that children tend to imitate their parents' screen behavior, which can disrupt their study routines. A similar correlation was found amid parents' work-related screen use and academic attitudes. The study recommends that enhancing parental awareness, implementing screen-time rules and promoting screen-free family interactions to support healthier academic and behavioral development in the children.