Parental Awareness and Attitude Towards Health Effects of Prolonged Screen Time on Children in Enugu, Nigeria
Ukwuani, Miriam Chinelo *
Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Phoebe Nwamaka Kanikwu
Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research, Rivers State, Nigeria.
G. S. Oladipo
Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Screen time behaviour in young children is strongly influenced by parental attitudes towards screen use.
Objective: This study evaluated parents' awareness of, and attitudes towards, the health consequences of excessive screen time among children.
Method: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in three selected cottage hostels in Enugu metropolis among 137 parents attending child welfare clinics. Information was obtained using a structured questionnaire, and the collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics.
Results: The study showed that overall parental awareness was low (2.39), although parents recognised some immediate risks, such as reduced movement, sleep disturbances, unhealthy snacking, delayed language development and behavioural problems. However, awareness of long-term consequences, including addiction, obesity, reduced academic performance and adverse effects on vision, the heart, muscles, bones and memory, was grossly insufficient. Attitudes towards setting limits on screen time were largely negative (2.09), indicating limited personal commitment or role-modelling in regulating screen use; many parents believed that excessive exposure would cause no harm if the children appeared well. Comparison of parental awareness with support for limiting screen time showed a moderate correlation, suggesting that higher awareness may be associated with greater parental concern about the amount of time children spend using digital media. The findings reveal a considerable disconnect between knowledge, attitudes and practice, indicating that parents' responses may depend more on practical realities than on awareness alone and that environmental factors require further analysis.
Conclusion: Clinic-based awareness programmes should be practice-oriented. Home-based sessions, training and seminars, in addition to clinic-based education, should guide parents and guardians towards healthier screen-related practices and improved child health in urban Nigeria.
Keywords: Parental awareness, screen time behaviour, young children, health effects.