This study aimed to identify the latent classes of changes in smart device dependency among third to fifth grade children and to test the antecedents of the classes. To this end, a growth mixture model (GMM) was conducted, using data from the 10th to ...
This study aimed to identify the latent classes of changes in smart device dependency among third to fifth grade children and to test the antecedents of the classes. To this end, a growth mixture model (GMM) was conducted, using data from the 10th to 12th waves of the Panel Study on Korean Children. The results are summarized as follows. First, two latent classes were identified regarding the changes in children’s smart device dependency: a mid-level stable group, and a low-level steadily increasing group. Second, children’s purpose of smart device usage and executive function difficulties were significant determinants of the latent classes. In other words, as children use smart devices for gaming and entertainment, and as they have difficulties in emotional control and inattention, they are more likely to belong to a low-level steadily increasing group rather than a mid-level stable group. Based on the results, implications and suggestions for future studies also discussed.