EVALUATION OF THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE OF PARENTS OR GUARDIANS ABOUT THE IMPACTS OF EXCESSIVE USE OF SCREENS BY CHILDREN AGED 2 TO 10 YEARS IN THE CITY OF CAMPO GRANDE, MATO GROSSO DO SUL

Abstract

The present study aims to identify the degree of knowledge of parents or guardians about the negative impacts of excessive use of screens by children aged 2 to 10 years, specifically tablets and cell phones, in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. In line with the guidelines of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP), which establish exposure time limits by age group, we sought to assess whether these recommendations are adhered to in practice. The research also aimed to analyze the level of supervision of parents or guardians about the use of screens and their awareness of the adverse effects of this habit. The collection of information was carried out in children aged 2 to 10 years, collecting samples at the Center for Medical Specialties (CEMED) of the Anhanguera University UNIDERP and at the Medicine course of the same, in Campo Grande. A questionnaire was applied to parents to elucidate the time of exposure and supervision of children to screens. The sample was of significant size to ensure statistical representativeness. The main findings demonstrate a discrepancy between the recommended exposure time and practice, as well as an underestimation of adverse effects by caregivers. The clinical significance lies in the need for parental awareness and education about the risks of excessive screen use in childhood, while the statistical significance is determined by analyzing the differences between demographic and supervisory groups. Potential limitations include sample selection bias and biased responses from participants.