Determinants of parental perceptions of children’s strengths and difficulties related to smart device use: A comparative study in Jordan and Malaysia

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Background Smart device use among children is increasing worldwide, often exceeding the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommended screen-time limits. Because mind–body development in early childhood is highly interconnected, and behavioral patterns, emotional responses, and physiological regulation are still forming, inappropriate smart device use may influence children’s behavioral, emotional, and physical well-being. Objective This study aims to examine determinants of parental perceptions of children’s behavioral strengths and difficulties in relation to smart device use and compare these determinants between Jordan and Malaysia. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional comparative design was employed. Convenience samples of 307 Jordanian parents and 234 Malaysian parents of children aged 5–7 years completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, items related to smart device use, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results Malaysian parents were significantly older than Jordanian parents (36.39±5.29 vs. 34.57 ± 5.09 years; t(539) = −4.04, p = 0.000), and Jordanian parents reported higher SDQ difficulty scores than Malaysian parents (15.0 ± 5.46 vs. 13.17 ± 4.14; t(538.989) = 7.10, p = 0.000), with both means falling in the borderline range. Jordanian children were significantly older than Malaysian children (6.23 ± 0.82 vs. 6.08 ± 0.70; t(531.929) = 2.305, p = 0.022). Smartphones were the most commonly used device in both countries (Jordan: 57.9%; Malaysia: 59.9%). Jordanian children spent significantly more time using smart devices (2.91 ± 1.92 vs. 2.23 ± 2.14 hours/day; t(539) = 3.863, p = 0.000). Across both samples, lower parental education, maternal respondents, and longer child screen time were significantly associated with higher SDQ total difficulty scores. Construct validity testing supported the SDQ’s cross-cultural validity. Conclusion Although smart devices offer benefits, excessive or inappropriate use is associated with behavioral difficulties in children in both Jordan and Malaysia. Parents should adhere to global recommendations regarding screen-time duration and content to mitigate potential negative effects on child behavior.

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