What Preschool Children Do with Technology?

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the activities that children engage in with technology. In this direction, preschool children's ownership of technological devices, which devices they own and what they do with these devices were examined. This study was designed as qualitative research. The study group consisted of 34 preschool children studying during the 2023-2024 academic year. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The results of the study revealed that most of the children have a device at home and these devices are mostly tablets, and by smartphones. It was determined that almost all the children played digital games and the games varied. It was seen that all the children participating in the study watched cartoons, and most children watched YouTube. It was concluded that many of the children participating in the study did not watch TikTok. A thorough examination of the content they watched revealed the coexistence of appropriate and inappropriate materials. Therefore, informing parents about parental lock and similar applications that can be installed on devices, and preparing guides, books, seminars, etc. on the use of technology for parents were suggested.