• July to September 2025 Article ID: NSS9249 Impact Factor:8.05 Cite Score:1972 Download: 60 DOI: https://doi.org/10.63574/nss.9249 View PDf

    Impact of Mobile Use on Food Habits of Children Between 6 To 12 Years

      Priya Rani
        Research Scholar ( Home Science) Barkatullah University, Bhopal (M.P.)
      Dr. Lakshmi Agnihotri
        Associate Professor (Home Science) Sarojini Naidu Government Girls PG (Autonomous) College, Bhopal (M.P.)

Abstract: Children's daily routines and lifestyles have been drastically changed by the sharp increase in mobile phone use, which has had a particular impact on their eating habits.  The goal of the current study, "Impact of Mobile Use on Food Habits of Children between 6 to 12 Years” is to investigate the effects of extended mobile device use on young children's eating habits and dietary patterns.  Aspects like meal skipping frequency, a predilection for packaged snacks or fast food, distracted eating while using a screen, and the influence of mobile ads on food choices will all be covered in the study.  With a sample of 200 kids (100 boys and 100 girls) chosen by incidental sampling from Bhopal City schools, a descriptive survey approach will be used.A structured, self-made questionnaire,MUFHAQ: Mobile Usage and Food Habits Assessment Questionnairewas used to gather data, along with demographic data.  Based on the analysis of all three tables, the study concludes that mobile phone usage has no significant impact on the food habits of children aged 6 to 12 years in Bhopal City. Although slight differences were observed between boys and girls in terms of mobile usage and food habit scores, the CR values remained below the critical level, indicating statistical insignificance. Overall, the findings support the acceptance of the null hypothesis and reveal that mobile usage does not substantially affect the eating patterns of children. It is suggested that parents should monitor their children's screen time and encourage healthy eating practices, while the government should implement awareness programs, regulate unhealthy food advertisements, and promote digital literacy to ensure responsible mobile usage and better nutritional habits among children.

Keywords: Mobile Usage, Food Habits and Children (6–12 Years).