The Impact of Gadget Use intensity on Emotional Control in 12 Years Old Childrend

Abstract

The age of 12 marks a crucial transition from childhood to early adolescence. During this stage, children experience significant physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes that influence their behavior and emotional responses. As they begin to develop greater independence, they often struggle to regulate their emotions effectively, making them more vulnerable to external influences. In today’s digital era, gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, and computers have become an essential part of children’s daily lives. These devices provide educational resources, entertainment, and opportunities for communication. However, excessive or uncontrolled gadget use has been associated with various behavioral and emotional problems, particularly difficulties in emotional regulation. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the intensity of gadget use and emotional regulation abilities among 12-year-old children while identifying factors that may moderate this relationship, including parental supervision, content quality, and the purpose of gadget use. The findings indicate that children who spend more than three hours per day on gadgets outside academic activities and who frequently access unfiltered digital content are more likely to display impulsive behavior, emotional instability, and reduced self-control. In contrast, balanced gadget use accompanied by active parental guidance appears to reduce these negative effects. The study concludes that uncontrolled gadget use may hinder emotional maturity during this critical developmental stage. Therefore, parents, educators, and caregivers should establish clear rules regarding screen time, encourage healthy digital habits, and provide consistent supervision to support children’s emotional development and overall well-being.