Author(s): Sowmya ASL and Manjuvani E

Abstract:
In recent years, electronic gadgets are playing a vital role in the lives of children. This research paper presents the availability and ownership of electronic gadgets among preschool children and their usage during working days and holidays. The sample of this study comprised of 200 preschool children (3 to 6 years) randomly selected from twin cities of Hyderabad, Telangana district. An interview schedule was used to obtain the data. The findings revealed that nearly one fourth (23.5%) of preschool children are having their own tablet/IPads and 10% are owned game consoles. Results have shown that usage of electronic gadgets is high in 20% of preschool children during working day whereas it is almost doubled (39%) during holiday. Boys are spending more time with gadgets as compared to girls. The findings also revealed that three fourth (75%) of parents set time whereas one fourth (25%) of the parents do not regulate timings of children spending time with electronic gadgets.