Mobile media exposure and use in children aged zero to five years with diagnosed neurodevelopmental disability

Objective: The present study was conducted to determine the extent of exposure to and use of mobile devices by children (aged 0-60months) with a diagnosed neurodevelopmental disability. Design: A self-report survey-based design was employed. Setting: Questionnaires were administered at a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, India Participants: The study included a convenience sample of 423 children with a neurodevelopmental disability (aged 0-60months). The self-report survey was administered to the parents of the children. Results: Analyses showed that 92.7% (n = 392) of all respondents have smartphones. 61% (n = 258) of the respondents stated that their children used mobile devices before 2 years of age. 58% (n = 246) of the parents gave children devices while feeding. A statistically significant difference was found in the mobile media usage between groups of children with different diagnoses (p< 0.001). Children diagnosed with ASD appeared to spend the largest amount of time on mobile media (m = 180.44 mins), as compared to children included with other diagnoses. Of the diagnosed children, only 13.4% (n = 57) of parents were informed about the possible negative effects of media use by their paediatricians. Conclusion: The results suggest premature mobile media habits, frequent use and lack of awareness about the effects of mobile media usage among children diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disability. We suggest there is a need to update recommendations for caregivers on the use of mobile media by young children with disability.