Evaluation of problematic technology use and social competence and behavior levels in 48-72 month group children receiving preschool education

The aim of the study is to determine the level of problematic technology use in 48-72-month-old preschool children, to examine some variables thought to be related, and to evaluate the relationship between social competence and behavior levels and problematic technology use. The study is a mixed-method research conducted between 01.01.2023-01.04.2024 on parents and teachers of children attending kindergartens in Eskişehir and Bolu. The study group consisted of 883 parents and 66 teachers. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data. Children's problematic use of technology was assessed with the PTUS-YC, and their social competence and behavior levels were assessed with the SCBS-30 Scale. A semi-structured interview form was used to collect qualitative data. The quantitative data obtained were evaluated with Mann Whitney U test, Kuruskal Wallis test, Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed and interpreted descriptively and systematically. In this study, the mean score of children's scores on the PTUS-YC was 55.1±14.9, and it can be said that their level of problematic technology use is at a moderate level. The city of residence, age and marital status of the parents, the amount of time the child spent with technological devices at home, parental control of the content used, school adaptation and having a technological device were found to be factors associated with problematic technology use. A weak negative correlation was observed between children's problematic technology use levels and their social competence and behavior levels. It may be useful to organize educational activities for parents and children about the negative consequences of problematic technology use and to avoid it and to ensure the active participation of children. Trainings can be conducted for children to have more positive social competence and behavior.