| Abstract [eng] |
Difficulties in managing one`s habits of screen - based media use have been the focus of much clinical and scientific interest in the past years. Pandemic of COVID - 19 has further increased the use of screens. However, there is not enough studies in the scientific literature explaining the relationship between screen time and physical symptoms that cannot be explained by known medical causes. So, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between screen-based media and somatic complaints in children during the COVID – 19 pandemic. Data from the project “Long term effects of screens on childrens physical and mental health”. The present study investigates the data of 691 girls and boys aged 6 to 14 (M = 9, SD = 2,25). The data was collected using electronic forms of the Child‘s Use of IT Devices, Development and Social Environment Questionnaire. The results of the study revealed that the children screen time is positively associated with the somatic complaints. The risk of somatic complaints in children aged 6 to 10 predicted by screen - based media use for learning for more than 2 hour per day, screen - based media use for leisure activities for more than 4 hour per day, acute disease in the last 3 - 4 month. However the risk of somatic complaints in children aged 11 to 14 predicted by screen - based media use for learning for more than 5 hour per day and physical activity more than 30 minutes per day may reduce this probability. In addition, physical activity is important for children aged 11 – 14 years in explaining the relationship between screening and somatic complaints. So, the finding contribute to a better understanding of children somatic complaints and its relationship with IT use, while providing guidance for futher research and practical work. |
