A study to assess the behavioral and emotional problems related to usage of smart devices among children as perceived by their mothers of selected areas of city Ludhiana, Punjab.

Introduction: At present, there has been exponential rise in the use of smart devices by the population. Children, especially older than 10 years of age are engaged in excessive use of Internet. Screen activities can be beneficial for young people in many ways. For instance, youth’s use of social media sites has been found increase new friendships, Interpersonal capabilities and social interaction. It is important to study the various behavioral and emotional problems associated with smart devices usage as studies reports various academic, social, family, emotional issues are being reported due to smart devices usage. Aim: To assess the behavioral and emotional problems related to usage of smart devices among children as perceived by their mothers. Methodology: A descriptive research design was used to assess the behavioral and emotional problems related to usage of smart devices as perceived by their mothers. The study was conducted in Guru Gobind Singh Nagar, Guru Hargobind singh Nagar of Shimlapuri, Ludhiana. A total sample of 300 mothers was selected by purposive sampling technique. The data was collected by using Strengths and difficulties Questionnaire, baseline parent version (by Dr. Robert Goodman 1997) and analyzed as per objectives of study. Result: As per the result of study (55%) children had no behavioral and emotional problems, followed by (31%) had abnormal behavior and emotions and only (14%) children were at the verge to develop the behavioral and emotional problems due to usage of smart devices as perceived by their mothers. The significant relationship of behavioral and emotional problems was found with gender of children at p>0.0. Conclusion: The present study concluded that more than half of children had no behavior and emotional problems. Whereas, (31%) children had behavioral and emotional problems due to use of smart devices.