PARENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SCREEN USE AS A BARRIER TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG PRESCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN IN KASUR PAKISTAN

Authors

  • Zahid Mahmood Student, Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore
  • Kashif Mehmood Lecturer, Department of sport science and physical education Faculty of Allied health sciences The University of Lahore
  • Basit Ali Lecturer,  Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore
  • Abdul Waheed Student, Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore

Abstract

In this digital era, the increasing prevalence of screen use among young children has created issues and concerns about its negative effects on children’s physical activity. Excessive screen use among children of this age group is considered a barrier to their physical activity in Kasur. So, to mitigate these issues and concerns it is important to understand Parents’ attitudes about screen use among their preschool-aged children. The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which parents of preschool-aged children perceived screen use as a barrier to their children’s physical activity in Kasur. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 172 parents of preschool-aged children from Kasur city and its surrounding rural areas. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire distributed through seven public and private schools in this area. Regression analysis was employed to determine the relationship between screen use and Parents’ attitude of its impact on physical activity. Regression analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between screen use and parental perceptions of physical activity as a barrier, with screen use accounting for 25.6% of the variance in these perceptions (R² = 0.256, p < 0.01). The results emphasized the benefits of physical activity for young children's physical and mental well-being and the necessity of developing measures to reduce excessive screen time. Excessive screen use significantly hinders physical activity among preschool-aged children in Kasur. To address this issue, a comprehensive approach involving parental awareness about negative impacts of screen use on their young children’s physical activity and health, policy interventions, and community support is essential for developing an active and healthy environment for children in this population.

Keywords: Screen use, Physical activity, Preschool-aged children, Parents’ attitude, Kasur.

  

 

 

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Published

2025-05-04

How to Cite

Zahid Mahmood, Kashif Mehmood, Basit Ali, & Abdul Waheed. (2025). PARENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SCREEN USE AS A BARRIER TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG PRESCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN IN KASUR PAKISTAN. Journal for Current Sign, 3(2), 68–97. Retrieved from http://currentsignjournal.com/index.php/JCS/article/view/129

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2025): Journal for Current Sign

Section

Articles