A CASE STUDY OF CHILDREN EXPOSED TO SOCIAL MEDIA AND

TECHNOLOGY

A Research Proposed to
The Faculty of Senior High Curriculum
A.L Navarro National High School
Lasang, Davao City

Aeron M. Alag
Jane Karylle P. Deguito
John Lenard P. Padilla
Johnmike M. Matuguinas
Marcojay R. Pelpinosas
Marie Cris B. Bonggot
Rey S. Castro
Vincent C. Inojales

May 2023
 1. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Title Page

Acknowledgement

Abstract

Table of Contents

List of Tables

Chapter

1 Introduction
Purpose of the Study
Research Questions
Theoretical Lens
Importance of the Study
Delimitations and Limitation of the Study
Definition of Terms
Review of the Related Literature
2 Methodology
Research Design
Research Participants
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Trustworthiness of the Study
Role of the Researcher
Ethical Consideration
 Chapter 1
Introduction

Social media and technology have many benefits. Social media can connect

people from all over the world, allowing for global relationships and the spread of

information (Simplilearn,2023). It can also help young people find others who share their

interest and develop key 21st century skills. Technology can improve communication,

education and access to information. However, there are also potential downsides to

social media, such as the pressure to earn approval and compere oneself to others

(Dalomba,2022). It is important to use social media and technology responsibly and be

aware of the potential risk.

Social media is a fast-emerging platform that has changed how people

communicate and connect. Since these networking platforms are easy to use and

entertaining, they have attracted the attention of most children. Therefore, it becomes

essential to discuss the effects of social media on children. Social media, if used wisely,

is a good platform to interact, learn, communicate, and have fun; however, if misused or

excessively used, it may lead to cyberbullying, anxiety and health problems. So, before

allowing your children to access social media, you should be aware of it’s functionalities,

privacy setting and age limit. (Bhargavi,2023)

An example of this we’re kids and teens in America who we’re found to be

spending more time than ever using screens and social media, with the number of hours

spent online having risen sharply during the pandemic, according to results from a

survey released Wednesday. The survey, published by the nonprofit research

organization Common Sense Media (2022), found that overall screen use among teens

and tweens increased by 17 percent from 2019 to 2021 – growing more rapidly than in

the four years prior. On average, daily screen use went up among tweens (ages 8 to 12)
to five and 33 minutes from four hours and 44 minutes, and to eight hours and 39

minutes from screen hours and 22 minutes for teens (ages 13 to 18), the increases

reported by the survey are most likely a reflection of the difficulties that families endured

with school, child care and social interaction throughout the pandemic, experts said of

particular concern to some who track screen time is an upswing in social media use

among children ages 8 to 12, on platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook,

even through such platforms requires to be at least 13 because of a law that prohibits

companies from collecting data from children (Moyer, 2022).

In the National arena, the use of social media technology among children is

growing concern in the Philippines. These children tend to equate the internet with social

media, rather than viewing social media as one distinct aspect of being online. This

reflects the dominant role that social media has assume in children world. The study also

found that while many children can truly themselves online, most children do not feel that

the internet is a safe place for them. This highlights the importance of insuring that the

internet is a safe space for children, specially in casas where children are exposed to

social media and technology at a young age (UNICEF,2020)

Meanwhile, in Development Behavioral Pediatricians in Davao City, Philippines,

called on parents to limit the use of such gadget, especially for children under the age of

three, because early exposure to digital media may have a number of consequences on

children behavior. DR. Merlyn Flavier, a consultant with the southern Philippines medical

centers department of pediatrics, recommended parents to strictly control the early

exposure if any digital media to children in a press conference on Monday. The doctors

firmly support liming children access digital media throughout early development. For

instant between the ages 0 and 2 years, whether it be on television, computers, laptops

or gadgets, “She stated. Considering that” there are implication for children having
developmental disabilities, “Flavier continued,” such regulation is expended to three

years old (Rizal 2016).

This case study of children exposed to social media and technology is important

as it helps us to understand the potential risks and benefits of the usage. While some

studies have shown negative impacts on mental heath and well being, others found

positive effects such as increased physical activity and social connections. It is crucial to

continue studying this topic as technology continues to evolve and impact your life. The

research goal in “A case study of children exposed to social media and technology” is to

explore the impacts of social media and technology of young people well being,

specifically the known effects of social media use and communication. The study aims to

examine both side of the argument and identify the potential risks and benefits of social

media use by children and adolescents.

One research gap in the study of children exposed to social media and

technology is the lack of knowledge about how virtual and in-person interactions

influence the development of young children’s social skills and sense of self. While there

is some knowledge about older children in this regard, the evolution of social media

makes it increasingly relevant for younger children. Another gap is the need for further

study on the influence of media exposure on young children’s relationships with their

peers, parents attentions to their cellphones and tablet is a predictive cue for their

infant’s development.

While the are studies that explore the effects of technology used on children’s

brain, cognitive, social-emotional, and mental health. There is a need for more research

on the overuse of digital play at home among young children. Additionally, the influences

of media exposure on young children’s relationships with their peers, parents, families,

and communities also demands further research. Furthermore, there is a need to explore
the effects of social media on children’s behavior, including addiction, misperception of

body images, and mental health. Therefore, more research is needed to understand the

impact of social media and technology on children’s developmental and well-being.

Purpose of this Study

The purpose of the study on the children exposed to social media and technology

is to understand the extent of their engagement with digital devices, the impact of screen

time on their lives, and the potential risks and benefits associated with their use of social

media platforms. The study also aims to explore parental concerns, attitudes and,

experiences related to their children’s use of technology. Additionally, it seeks to provide

guidance for parents on how to help their children develop healthy social media habits,

maintain privacy and autonomy, and navigate the challenges associated with online

risks.

Research Questions

This research aims to answer the following question:

1. What are the experience of children with constant use of social media?

2. What are the struggles encountered the children exposed to social media and

their parent in controlling/parenting their children in using social media?

3. What insights can be gained from the experiences of constant use of technology

and social media?

Theoretical lens

One theory that provides a solid background knowledge of “The case study of

children exposed to social media and technology” is the cognitive development theory by
Piaget that featured by (cherry 2022). According to Piaget, children though four stage of

cognitive development: The sensory motor stage the preoperational stage, the concrete

operational stage, and the formal operational stage in the sensory motor stage (Birth to 2

years), children learn through their senses and motor skills. In the preoperational stage

(2 to 7 years), children develop sympolic and language skills. In the concrete operational

stage (7 to 12 years), children develop logical thinking and ability to understand concrete

events. In the formal operational stage (12 and up), children develop abstract thinking

and ability to reason hypothetically. This theory is relevant to the case study of children

exposed to social media and technology because it helps us to understand how children

at different stages of cognitive development may interact with and be affected to

technology. For example, younger children in sensory motor and preoperational maybe

more likely to engaged in passive screen time, while older children in the concrete

operational in format operational stages maybe more likely to use technology for social

interaction and learning. Understanding this developmental stages can help parents and

educators make informed decision about how to introduce technology to children and

how to monitor their use (Cherry,2022).

Importance of the Study

The findings of this study may become valuable to a lot of individuals and

institutions. Firstly, children because understanding the impact of social media and

technology on their development can help them make informed decisions about their

online activities and maintain a healthy balance between digital and real-life experiences.

Secondly, parents because being aware of the potential benefits and risks associated

with their children’s exposure to social media and technology can enable them to provide

better guidance, support, and supervision, ensuring a safer and more positive online

experiences for their kids. Thirdly, future researchers because this study can serve as a
foundation further exploration into the complex relationship between children, social

media and technology, contributing to the development of new knowledge, policies, and

interventions aimed at promoting the well-being of young digital users.

Delimitations and Limitations of the study

This study is only delimited to 3 children age 3-16 in Lasang, Davao City.

However, children with pre-existing health conditions or developmental disorder will be

not included in the study. Additionally, children who had limited access to technology or

social media were also excluded. The study aimed to provide a comprehensive

understanding to the impact of social media and technology on children mental health

and academic performances. While the study’s finding are limited to the three children

involve, they provide valuable insight into effects of technology on children’s live. Further

research is needed to explore the long-term effects of social media and technology on

children’s development well-being.

Definition of terms

To have a common understanding of the key terms use in the study the following

terms are operationally defined:

Social media is the collective term for website and application that focus on

communication, community-based input, interaction, content sharing and collaboration.

People use social media to stay in touch and interact with friends, family, and various

communities.

Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of

human life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human

environment.
Review of Related Literature

The use of social media and technology as become increasing prevalent in

today’s society, with children being expose to it at a younger age. Social media has

evolved from a flatform for virtual community to vital tool for communication and

marketing. The rise of smartphones and advances in digital technology have contributed

to the growth of social media, marketing it more accessible and user-friendly

(Thurairatnam 2021). As a result, social media has integral part of daily life for many

people, including children. This review of literature aims to explore the effects of social

media and technology on children.

Technological advances have had a significant impact on social media. One of

the biggest impact is that it helps visualize the entire experience (Thurairatnam 2021).

Technologies such as augmented reality and artificial intelligence are driving the future of

social media, making it more interactive and engaging (Saxena,2022). However, this

technologies also raise concerns about privacy and security, especially for children.

A systematic review of 20 studies found that use of social media was associated

with body image concerns and disordered eating. (Holland,2016). The nature of social

media interactions, which are arm’s length, makes negative commenting both easy and

more frequent that in person interactions with peers. An Ontario survey of needle-and

high school student showed that the ads odds of suicidal ideation, plans attempts were

all significantly higher among those who had experienced cyberbullying, even after

controlling for range of potential confounders.