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Early years practitioners' and public health consultants' perspectives on the use of interactive electronic devices in young children: A qualitative study

Azevedo, Liane B.
; 
Downes, Megan
; 
Eastburn, Sara
; 
Covell, Jane
; 
Bissell, Paul
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Editors
Other Contributors
Affiliation
Sheffield Hallam University; University of Huddersfield; Kirklees Council; University of Chester
EPub Date
Publication Date
2025-01-12
Submitted Date
Collections
Chester Medical School
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Abstract
Background: Interactive electronic devices (IEDs) are ubiquitous in young children's lives. However, research on their impact on learning and development is still limited. The aim of this study was to understand the perspectives of early years practitioners (EYPs) and public health consultants (PHCs) on the use of IEDs in children aged 3–5. Methods: Using purposive sampling techniques, we recruited four EYPs and two PHCs from children's nurseries and a government organisation in the northwest of England. Semi‐structured interviews were used to collect data, which were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and anonymised. Data were analysed using reflective thematic analysis. Results: EYPs and PHCs noted that although IEDs could negatively impact child development and behaviour, they could also aid in learning. EYPs expressed concerns about the impact of parents' own IED habits on children's communication and social skills. On the other hand, PHCs stressed that substituting outdoor play with the use of these devices could affect children's social and physical skills and reduce physical activity levels, which are crucial for development. Finally, both EYPs and PHCs agreed that there was a need to improve parents' and EYP's knowledge and to develop interactive interventions to promote an understanding of how IEDs should be used with young children. Conclusion: EYPs and PHCs acknowledge the potential advantages of using IEDs as a teaching tool for children. However, they have concerns about the long‐term effects on communication, social and physical skills and how children are impacted by their parents' use of these devices. To support policy statements, future research should offer further evidence of the benefits and harms of IED use.
Citation
Azevedo, L. B., Downes, M., Eastburn, S., Covell, J., & Bissell, P. (2025). Early years practitioners' and public health consultants' perspectives on the use of interactive electronic devices in young children: A qualitative study. Child: Care, Health and Development, 51(1), article-number e70022. https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.70022
Publisher
Wiley
Journal
Child: Care, Health and Development
Research Unit
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10034/629196
DOI
10.1111/cch.70022
PubMed ID
PubMed Central ID
Type
Article
Language
Description
© 2025 The Author(s). Child: Care, Health and Development published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Series/Report no.
ISSN
0305-1862
EISSN
1365-2214
ISBN
ISMN
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Sponsors
Unfunded
Additional Links
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cch.70022