Digital Technology Usage in Early Childhood: A Comparative Study of Omani and Emirati Children and Parents

Abstract

This study aimed to depict the digital lifestyle of children within their home environments, focusing specifically on Omani and Emirati parents according to the framework set forth in the Ecological Techno-Microsystem. The research included a total of 590 kindergarten children and their parents from Oman and the UAE. The findings indicated that the majority of children live in digitally rich home environment. Many of which spend time watching television while their parents use tablets/computers. Most of the children spend less than an hour for watching television in sitting rooms in both Oman and UAE. Differences were observed between Omani and Emirati parents in how they mediate using digital devices. It has examined that familial context and home environment should be taken consideration for supporting young children’s digital usage.