MORE than half of preschool-aged children in Peninsular Malaysia are reportedly engaging with digital devices independently before reaching four years old, according to a study conducted by Dr Rozita Wahab, a lecturer in the Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling at the University of Malaya’s Faculty of Education.
The research, carried out in 2021, examined the ownership and use of digital technology among five- and six-year-old children.
Berita Harian today reported that the research found that 51.6 per cent of children began interacting with digital devices on their own before their fourth birthday, while 31.7 per cent started using smartphones or tablets alongside adults before reaching the age of two.
Dr Rozita noted that nearly a quarter of preschoolers, 24.2 per cent, already own their own smartphone or tablet, indicating a significant early integration of digital technology into children’s daily lives. She observed that exposure to such devices can begin as early as eight months old.
“On average, children start using smartphones or tablets with adults at around three years and four months, and begin independent use at approximately four years and four months,” she said.
The study also highlighted a sharp increase in digital device usage following the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings show that 74.1 per cent of preschoolers use smartphones and 39.1 per cent use tablets.
Smartphones emerged as the most frequently used device, with 68.5 per cent of children engaging with them daily—surpassing television, which was used daily by 47.5 per cent of children.
Dr Rozita attributed this trend to changes in family lifestyles and daily routines, noting that modern parents and children are often busier, resulting in less time spent at home together.
She added that the pandemic accelerated the integration of digital devices into both learning and entertainment at home due to movement restrictions.
The research further revealed that preschoolers in Peninsular Malaysia spend an average of 3.7 hours per day on smartphones or tablets during school days, rising to 6.2 hours on holidays.
Some children reportedly use devices for up to nine hours on school days and as much as 14 hours on holidays.
“Overall, more than 70 per cent of preschoolers use digital devices for over two hours per day on school days, and nearly 90 per cent do so during holidays,” Dr Rozita said, noting that these figures far exceed the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation of no more than two hours of screen time per day for children aged five to six.
She highlighted that, as recently as 11 years ago, device ownership and usage rates among this age group ranged from zero to six per cent.
For children aged 18 to 24 months, the AAP recommends minimal screen time, only in the presence of a parent or guardian.
Dr Rozita also cautioned that prolonged screen use can negatively impact physical development.
“Multiple local and international studies indicate that the more time children spend in front of screens, the lower their levels of daily physical activity.
“Children frequently using smartphones or tablets tend to engage less in active outdoor play such as running, cycling, or sports, and more in sedentary activities at home,” she said. - January 2, 2026
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