Investigating the effects of digital exposure on child development in rural and urban Sri Lanka

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.