An investigation of the relationship between computer game addiction and self-regulation and responsible behavior skills in 60-72-month-old children

This study aims to examine the relationship between computer game addiction, self-regulation, and responsible behavior skills in children aged 60–72 months. The research, conducted in a relational survey model, consists of a study group of children who attended preschool institutions affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in the central district of Sivas during the 2024–2025 academic year, who did not have any special educational needs or chronic illnesses. Demographic information regarding the study group was collected through a Personal Information Form, while the data related to the main variables were obtained by using the Computer Game Addiction Scale, the Responsible Behaviors Scale, and the Self-Regulation Skills Scale. In the analysis of the data, Spearman correlation analysis, Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), Mann–Whitney U test, and Kruskal–Wallis H test were used. The research findings show that there are moderate and negatively significant relationships between computer game addiction, self-regulation skills, and responsible behaviors. Accordingly, as computer game addiction increases, children's levels of self-regulation and responsibility decrease. In addition, the study revealed that preschool children's levels of computer game addiction showed significant differences according to gender, parental education level, and parental cohabitation, whereas no significant differences were found according to age, birth order, number of children, and duration of preschool education. In this respect, it was concluded that strengthening self-regulation skills, increasing family communication and supervision, and raising parents' awareness about digital media use are critical for preventing computer game addiction at an early age. Developing comprehensive training and support programs for both parents and educators starting from early childhood is of great importance.