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Subject Area

Pediatrics

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to identify parents' perception towards the effect of internet use on their children health. Background The consequences of using internet sources at a young age are currently being studied comprehensively across the different parts of the world, as surfing the web had been found to have its pros and cons. It gives users independence, provides opportunities for global learning, and creates a platform for initiating social change. In contrast, it increase the likelihood of engaging in high risk and socially destructive behaviors. Parents recognize the significance of adopting technology in order to function in the 21st century. Participants and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area where nearly 3000 primary school children were distributed in four main schools. Cluster sampling was carried out, and one school was chosen for the study with 1000 participants. A questionnaire was formulated for this purpose and underwent validity and reliability assessments. The questionnaire was given to the students' parents to answer it, registering their answers in the questionnaire form. Results The mean age of the children was 9.4 ± 1.9 years. Girls comprised 50.2% and boys comprised 49.8%. Children used mobiles and the internet at a younger age, starting from 4 years. Games were the types of programs mostly used. Most of the parents (43.4%) thought that the Internet had bad effects that outweighed positive effects, and (49.1%) most parents were worried about their children's use of the Internet. Conclusion Most parents thought that the Internet had bad effects, and they were worried about their children's use of the Internet.

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