Exposures and Emotional Connection of Toddlers on Mobile Screen Media Devices (MSMD): A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Access to and early exposure on mobile screen media devices (MSMD) as part of the growing-up environment in the early development of a child is crucial. This study explored the exposures of and emotional connection of Filipino toddlers on MSMD. A cross-sectional research design has been adopted with the millennial parents of toddlers as respondents who were selected purposively (n=211) and shared observations on their toddlers’ degree of exposure to MSMD through answering items in the researchers-made questionnaire about their toddlers’ exposure and emotional attachment on MSMD. It shows that mothers mostly allowed and provided access to MSMD in an average of 2 hours of exposure for educational games, watching multimedia (e.g., YouTube), and listening to music nursery rhymes. Assessment of toddlers’ speech and language shows that most can respond in calling their names, no stuttering issues, but do not engage in pretending to play with toys. The degree of exposure to MSMD, age, and gender of a toddler has a significant relationship to their speech and language development. Thus, the degree of exposure to MSMD plausibly shapes the early developmental stage of a child. An awareness campaign, proper guidance, responsible parenthood, and supportive circles of significant others are relevant.