CONNECTION OF SCREEN TIME EXPOSURE AND CHILD REARING PRACTICES ON KINDERGARTNERS' SOCIO-EMOTIONAL COMPETENCE

In an era of increasing digital engagement, more and more young children are exposed to screen during their critical developmental stages. Simultaneously, parenting approaches play an integral role in guiding children’s emotional and social growth. This study aimed to address the significant connection of screen time exposure and child-rearing practices on kindergartners’ socio-emotional competence, contributing to better understanding and solutions for early childhood development challenges. This study investigated the significant influence of screen time exposure and child-rearing practices on the socio-emotional competence of the (80) eighty kindergartners enrolled in the Division of Valencia City, Province of Bukidnon, school year 2023–2024. It employed a descriptive-correlational research design. Researcher-made instruments were used, content validated, and pilot tested to establish reliability. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the screen time exposure, child-rearing practices, and the kindergartners’ socio-emotional competence. Meanwhile, Kendall’s Tau was utilized to determine the significant association of screen time exposure and child-rearing practices on the kindergartners’ socio-emotional competence. The results show that the kindergartners are highly exposed to screens, implying that they have more time watching TV, using smartphones, and other gadgets. Also, the quality of the parents’ child-rearing practices is very good. The socio-emotional competence of the kindergartners is high, implying that they are able to build relationships and connections with other children. By integrating insights from developmental psychology and educational studies, this study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for parents and educators to optimize child-rearing practices in the digital age. Findings are expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of how digital and familial environments intersect in early childhood development.