Background & Purpose: The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of practical games (sand play and purposeful play) on executive functions in children with digital baby syndrome in Gorgan.
Method: This applied research, using a semi-experimental method (pre-test-post-test with control and experimental groups), examines the effectiveness of practical games (sand play and purposeful play) on executive functions (problem solving, working memory, response inhibition) in 30 children aged 6 to 10 years with digital baby syndrome in Gorgan. The groups were selected using purposive sampling and assessed with Tower of London, N-Back and Stroop tests. Independent t-test, dependent t-test and covariance were used for data analysis.
Results: The results showed that practical games (sand play and goal-directed play) have a significant effect on the dimensions of executive function components, problem solving (p<0.05), working memory (response time (p<0.05) and number of correct responses (p<0.05)), response inhibition (congruent (p<0.05) and incongruent (p<0.05) tests).
Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, practical games (sand play and goal-directed play) have a positive effect on increasing executive functions in children with digital baby syndrome.