Mobile phone usage characteristics of children at school and parents' approach

Özet

The use of mobile phones has gradually increased in recent years. Consequently, many negative effects on children and young people have been observed. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of mobile phone use by children, as well as determining the parents' opinions about this subject. The survey was a cross-sectional study and conducted prospectively between September 1, 2018, and December 1, 2018. A total of 1020 people participated in the present study (mean age 41.8±5.8). 92.8% of the children involved in the present study had mobile phones. The mean age, at which the mobile phone was purchased, was 12.1±2.5 years (min: 3, max: 18). The most common reason for the purchase of mobile phones was the parents’ desire of the parents to reach (71.5%). 92.8% of mobile phones were smartphones. 41.5% of those, who participated in the present study, agreed on the partial prohibition of mobile phones in schools. Parents, who had problems regarding the use of mobile phone, reported that mobile phones should be banned at a higher rate (p<0.05). The parents having problem with the use of mobile phones requested the ban on mobile phone usage statistically significantly more (p<0.05). There was a significant relationship between the duration of mobile phone use and the necessity of banned in the school (p<0.05). The rate of parents, who have problems due to mobile phone use, was 56%. The rate of the mother or father, who is satisfied with the use of his/her mobile phone, was 42.3%. Most parents are against the use of mobile phones in the schools. However, they have a positive view on the use of mobile phones for communication purposes during lunch breaks and after the school hours.