A bibliometric analysis on the effects of digital media among children in the time of COVID-19 pandemic

Although technology was considered the fundamental tool in enhancing learning during COVID-19, there have been several concerns about the excessive use of digital media among children, which in turn impacted their well-being. A lack of adequate evidence on the impact of excessive use of digital media during COVID-19 among children prompted the need for a bibliometric analysis. The study aimed to examine the effects of digital media on children through a bibliometric analysis. A total of 1738 empirical articles published between 2019 and 2022 from the Dimensions scientific database were analysed using the VOSviewer 1.6.16 software. The analysis aimed at establishing visualisation networks on the most influential authors, countries, universities and co-authorships. The occurrence of keywords was also analysed to identify the effects of digital media among children during COVID-19. The results indicate increased burnout, bullying and frustration among children as a result of excessive use of digital media and screen time. Children lacked parental control since parents had inadequate digital skills to control children's online learning at home. Although technology was used to enhance learning during the pandemic, it was necessary to highlight the need for digital safety guidelines to ensure children's mental, psychological and physical health are maintained. Enhancing digital literacy among educators and parents can significantly reduce the risks associated with children spending excessive time on screens. Having digital inclusion guidelines would also increase awareness among educational stakeholders on effective ways of protecting children from digital risks and improving their well-being.