The effect of problematic technology use on the development of preschool children: The mediating role of sleep

This study aims to examine the effects of problematic technology use on the developmental domains of preschool children and to explore the mediating role of sleep in this relationship. Early childhood is one of the most critical and sensitive periods for cognitive, linguistic, social-emotional, and motor development. Excessive and uncontrolled exposure to technological devices during this period may pose risks to children's development. While the literature emphasizes the negative impacts of increased screen time and digital media use on developmental outcomes in children, the potential mediating mechanisms underlying this relationship have been addressed to a limited extent. In this context, the study focuses on clarifying the possible mediating role of sleep in the relationship between problematic technology use and child development. The research was conducted using a correlational survey model. The sample consisted of 115 parents of preschool children who voluntarily completed an online questionnaire. Data were collected using the "Problematic Technology Use Scale for Children", the "Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire", and the "Developmental Checklist" developed by the Ministry of National Education.The data were analyzed using Spearman correlation analysis and mediation tests. The results revealed weak but significant negative correlations between problematic technology use and children's cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional development levels. The strongest negative correlation was found in the area of language development. Additionally, a strong positive correlation was observed between problematic technology use and sleep habits, indicating that excessive technology use disrupts children's sleep patterns. Mediation analyses showed that sleep habits partially mediated the relationship between problematic technology use and children's developmental outcomes. These findings suggest that problematic technology use negatively affects child development and that part of this effect occurs through sleep disturbances. The results emphasize the importance of raising awareness among parents and educators regarding technology use and supporting healthy sleep habits in children.