Abstract:

This study examines the psychosocial effects of digital technology addiction on children, which increased during the pandemic. Within the scope of the research, a total of 237 people, including 111 teachers and 126 parents, were surveyed. Technology addiction, which can be seen as a public health problem from the perspective of teachers and parents, causes children to experience anxiety and stress. It can also lead to introversion, low self-esteem, and an increase in the possibility of isolation from society. According to findings, children feel anxious, helpless, and angry when they leave digital technologies. Parents can encourage their children to use digital technologies, which they see as a babysitter, without considering the damaging effects. In addition, according to the opinions of teachers and parents, it can be said that children may be more likely to be connected to modern technologies because they do not have the maturity to understand the detrimental effect of excessive use of digital technologies. Technology addiction can cause many cognitive, physical, emotional, and behavioral problems. The term addiction implies the need for treatment. Therefore, technology addiction should be addressed as a public health problem.

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