Objective: This study explores mothers’ experiences and perceptions of use of digital devices in early childhood. Methods: Through interviews with mothers, we analyzed how children use digital devices and how mothers perceive their children's use of...
Objective: This study explores mothers’ experiences and perceptions of use of digital devices in early childhood. Methods: Through interviews with mothers, we analyzed how children use digital devices and how mothers perceive their children's use of them. Results: First, the digital device utilization area was divided into four categories: the beginning of digital device utilization, utilization for play and learning, control and rules for digital utilization, and connection between the outside and inside of the digital. Second, the mothers’ perception of digital devices was divided into three categories: positive perception, negative perception, and awareness of the need for parental education. Conclusions: Mothers manage their children's use of digital devices in various ways, such as setting usage rules, allowing use only at certain times, and carefully selecting content. Therefore, governments and educational institutions should support parental education programs and provide guidelines on digital device usage. Through this support, mothers can manage their children's digital device use more systematically and effectively.