Investigation of the effect of technological device use period on visual perception level and emotion regulation skills of children aged 4-6

Technological tools play a role in facilitating life in today's world. However, it is known that there are negative effects as well as positive effects. The aim of this study is to examine the levels of visual perception and emotion regulation according to the exposure time to screen-based technological devices in children aged 4-6 years. Throughout the study, technological devices with screens such as tablets, phones, computers and televisions were cited. For this purpose, 39 children, 21 girls and 18 boys, participated in the study. Frostig Visual Perception Test was applied to the children to measure their perception level; Demographic data form, Emotion Regulation Scale and Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory were applied to their mothers in order to obtain information about the children. As a result of the analysis, visual perception levels differ according to the variables of gender, financial situation and the way mothers spend time with their children. Significant differences were found for emotion regulation skills scores, gender and traumatic experience during pregnancy. The duration of phone, tv, and tablet use has a significant effect on children's visual perception and emotion regulation skills. In the light of the findings, it has been seen that the experiences and duration of exposure to technological tools have a limited effect on children's visual perception and emotion regulation skills.