Preschoolers are frequently exposed to gadgets, potentially impacting their emotional development. This study investigates the relationship between gadget use and emotional development in preschool-age children. Using a probability sampling technique with cluster sampling, the study involved 52 respondents from two Santa Theresia Kindergarten sites. A validated and reliable gadget use questionnaire was employed, while emotional development was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The study revealed that preschoolers' gadget use intensity and attitude were generally moderate, while their emotional development was mostly borderline. The Spearman's rho test showed a significant correlation (p<0.05) with a low correlation coefficient (OR=-0.363) between gadget use and emotional development. These findings suggest that parents should monitor and accompany their children's gadget use. Introducing traditional games can be an effective way to divert children's attention from gadgets and promote emotional skill development..
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