Abstract:
This study investigates the effects of digital exposure on child development in rural and urban
Sri Lanka, focusing on Uva Province. Using a cross-sectional design with 450 children
(aged 10-18), the researchers employed MANOVA to analyse how screen time impacts cognitive,
physical, social, and academic outcomes while considering parental regulation and socioeconomic
factors. Results revealed significant negative associations between excessive screen
time and all developmental domains (cognitive: mean difference = -0.31, p = 0.015; academic:
-0.19, p = 0.028; social: -0.11, p = 0.020; physical: -0.14, p<0.001). Urban children showed
better cognitive/academic performance than rural peers (p = 0.031), while parental influence
demonstrated marginal moderation (p = 0.051). The findings lend support to Displacement
Theory within a collectivist cultural setting and underscore the dual role of digital media as
both a developmental risk and an educational resource. The study recommends age-specific
screen limits (<2 hours/day), school-based digital literacy programs, and policy alignment
with WHO guidelines. This study contributes to global discourse while offering culturallyappropriate
strategies for Sri Lanka’s unique socio-cultural landscape.
