Date of Award
5-2024
Culminating Project Type
Thesis
Styleguide
apa
Degree Name
Child and Family Studies: Family Studies: M.S.
Department
Child and Family Studies
College
School of Education
First Advisor
Frances Kayona
Second Advisor
Melisa Brever
Third Advisor
Sandi Loxton
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Keywords and Subject Headings
Technology, Screen Time, Latinx, Early Childhood
Abstract
The purpose of this research study was to explore to what extent Latinx children between the ages of birth to five are using screens and technology, the factors that influence their caregivers’ decisions about allowing screen time, as well as what resources caregivers need to navigate screen time use and technology for their young children.
A survey was distributed to Latinx caregivers who were participating in a parent education program in an urban Minnesota school. The goal of the survey was to gather data about parent and child screen time use, the principal reasons that parents allow screen time, attitudes about screen time, and impacts of screen time on the household and relationships. In addition, the study sought to learn about tools and resources that may be helpful to families.
The study found that 39% of the participants’ children exceeded the screen time limits set by the World Health Organization to some extent. However, the average amount of screen time reported by caregivers was below the national average for Latinx children. The majority (94%) of survey respondents expressed desire to reduce their children’s screen time. Caregivers articulated that they would like some training on how to implement parental controls on their home devices, monitor content closely, and set timers on devices. In addition, they expressed a need for educational activities to do at home with their children. The findings of this study demonstrate the need for educational programming to support caregivers with navigation of technology use for their young children.
Recommended Citation
Percuoco, Katherine, "Factors Impacting Technology Use Amongst Latinx Children in Early Childhood" (2024). Culminating Projects in Child and Family Studies. 57.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/cfs_etds/57
Submission with Corrections
FINAL.Factors Impacting Technology Use.KatePercuoco.Final.pdf (666 kB)
Submission with Corrections
Comments/Acknowledgements
I would like to express my gratitude to the many people in my life who made the completion of this project possible. Firstly, to the participants in my ECFE classes, who so graciously agreed to participate in this study. My work as an educator is filled with joy due to your presence and the love your families bring into my classroom each day. It is a gift to learn alongside you all.
I would also like to thank those who offered their encouragement and support during my time at St. Cloud State University: Brittany Sullivan, Sandi Loxton, Melisa Brever, and Frances Kayona. Throughout every step of my process of pursing my licensure and degree, I felt your unending support and encouragement
Thank you to my colleague, Ángel, for your generous assistance with the translation of the survey materials. Thank you also to Alicia, a dear friend and data guru, who offered your skills and expertise on data analyses and pivot charts with so much enthusiasm and patience.
Finally, I would like to thank my family; my husband Eduardo, who has been supporting me on my educational journey for the past six years, as I slowly pursued my career in Education. You took on household duties and care of our children during my many classes, homework sessions, advising meetings, and thesis writing. And to my children, Felix and Lucía, who fill me with the light, joy, and inspiration that keep my passion and hope alive.