Distanciados, mas conectados: o uso das mídias eletrônicas por crianças em tempos de pandemia da covid-19.

Abstract

In 2020, Brazil experienced an emergency situation in the field of public health due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering that this problem has repercussions on people of all age groups, a research was carried out in order to investigate the emotional effects arising from this scenario in the lives of school-age children verifying the way in which this public managed to deal with the stressful events that affected their daily lives at the beginning of the pandemic. Therefore, the present study sought to elucidate the presence of electronic media in children's experience of the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss possible influences on child development. Data collection took place through a computerized questionnaire. The data were organized in Microsoft Excel software and processed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences – SPSS software. In the analyzed sample [233 children’s], it was noticed that electronic media were present at important moments, namely: upon receiving the news of the arrival of the new corona virus in Brazil; in the transition from teaching-learning to the remote modality; in maintaining bonds with peers and in expressing beliefs and feelings; and in entertainment. Electronic media exerted influences in the construction and propagation of a representation about the reality of the pandemic, as well as in the ways in which routine and relationships were configured. However, it was found that the intense exposure to electronic media, increased the possibility of inappropriate use of these tools, which can lead to impairment in sleep routine, eating habits, psychomotricity, cognition and socialization.