Problematic media use and psychological adaptation in children in the COVID-19 pandemic: A descriptive cross-sectional study

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the problematic media use and psychological adaptation levels of children. DESIGN AND METHODS: Parents of 685 children living in Turkey participated in the descriptive cross-sectional design study. Descriptive Characteristics Form, Problematic Media Use Measure and Hacettepe Psychological Adaptation Scale were used to collect research data. RESULTS: Problematic media use of the children is moderate. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the time spent in front of the screen in the majority of children. Psychological adaptation problem was determined in approximately one-third of children. Male gender and screen time spent affect problematic media use and psychological adaptation levels of children. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic increased the problematic media use and psychological adaptation problems of children. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It is recommended that nurses guide parents to limit children's screen time and to plan interventions to solve their psychological adaptation problems.