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Volume 12 Issue 2

Integrating Screen Time Monitoring and Visual Health Guidelines in a Mobile App for Children’s Digital Well-Being

International Journal of Computer Techniques – Volume 12 Issue 2

Nandika Sampath Tennakoon1, Dr. Hassan Malik2
1MSc Graduate, Department of Computing, University of Staffordshire, United Kingdom. Email: nandika300@gmail.com
2Associate Professor, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom. Email: hassan.malik@uea.ac.uk

Abstract

With the increasing integration of digital devices into children’s daily lives, excessive screen time has become a significant concern, leading to visual health issues such as digital eye strain and myopia. This study introduces Usage Tracker, a novel smartphone application designed to monitor and regulate screen usage among children under 10, integrating Google Machine Learning Kit for facial recognition to assess visual fatigue. Employing a mixed-methods research approach, the study combines quantitative surveys with qualitative parental interviews to evaluate the effectiveness of digital interventions in promoting healthier screen habits. A comprehensive literature review highlights the limitations of existing parental control applications, emphasizing the need for a more holistic approach that incorporates real-time tracking, adaptive break reminders, and interactive parental engagement. The proposed solution not only monitors screen time but also implements facial fatigue detection, allowing proactive interventions when signs of visual strain are detected. Usability testing with 30 parents demonstrated an 85% engagement rate, with 72% reporting improved screen habits in their children. Moreover, the machine learning-based facial strain detection achieved an impressive 93% accuracy, effectively alerting parents to potential eye fatigue. The study underscores the necessity of evidence-based digital interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive screen exposure. Findings advocate for enhanced parental education, school-based digital literacy programs, and the integration of AI-driven technologies in future child-centric mobile applications. Future research should explore longitudinal studies on digital interventions and cross-cultural comparisons to further refine strategies for safeguarding children’s digital well-being.

Keywords

Screen time, visual well-being, parental control, mobile application, Google Machine Learning Kit, face recognition, digital eye strain

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How to Cite

Nandika Sampath Tennakoon, Dr. Hassan Malik, “Integrating Screen Time Monitoring and Visual Health Guidelines in a Mobile App for Children’s Digital Well-Being,” International Journal of Computer Techniques, Volume. 12, Issue. 2, Year. ISSN 2394-2231

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