Examining the Relationship Between Problematic Media Use and Screen Time in Children Aged 5-6

This study aims to examine the relationship between problematic media use and screen time in children aged 5-6 years, and to investigate whether problematic media use differs according to gender, parental education level, and family income. The study sample consists of 407 parents (191 girls, 216 boys) of children aged 5-6 selected by the convenience sampling method. Designed using a correlational survey model, the study collected data via online surveys using the Problematic Media Use Scale–Parent Form (PMUS-PF) and a demographic information form. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 with Independent Samples t-test, One-Way ANOVA, and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The results indicate that children's levels of problematic media use were below average. While a statistically significant positive relationship was found between problematic media use and screen time, no significant difference was found according to gender, parental education level, and family income. This study contributes to the determination of preventive measures that can be taken in this regard by raising awareness about problematic media use in the preschool period.