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Takahashi I, Obara T, Ishikuro M, Orui M, Noda A, Shinoda G, Nagami F, Hozawa A, Nishimura T, Tsuchiya KJ, Kuriyama S. Prospective associations of screen time at age 2 with specific behavioral subscales at age 3: a cohort study. J Public Health (Oxf) 2024:fdae240. [PMID: 39263935 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdae240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aim to discover which, if any, of the subscales of internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems at age 3 are still associated with screen time (ST) at age 2 after adjusting for behavioral problems scores at age 2. METHODS This study was conducted under the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study. Information was gathered prospectively, with 7207 mother-child pairs included in the analysis. Children's ST was categorized in hours a day at age 2 (<1, 1-<2, 2-<4, ≥4). We assessed children's behavioral problems using the Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 1½-5 (CBCL) at ages 2 and 3. 'Having behavioral problems' was defined by them being within a clinical range for internalizing behaviors (withdrawn, somatic complaints, anxious/depressed and emotionally reactive) and externalizing behaviors (attention problems and aggressive behaviors) at age 3. Continuous scores on each of the behavioral problem scales at age 2 were used as covariates. RESULTS Greater ST for children at age 2 was associated with specific subscales for emotionally reactive and aggressive behaviors at age 3. CONCLUSIONS This study found that ST is prospectively associated with some behavioral scales but not others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ippei Takahashi
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 7F, Tohoku Medical Megabank Building 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
| | - Taku Obara
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 7F, Tohoku Medical Megabank Building 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 7F, Tohoku Medical Megabank Building 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Mami Ishikuro
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 7F, Tohoku Medical Megabank Building 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 7F, Tohoku Medical Megabank Building 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Orui
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 7F, Tohoku Medical Megabank Building 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 7F, Tohoku Medical Megabank Building 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
| | - Aoi Noda
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 7F, Tohoku Medical Megabank Building 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 7F, Tohoku Medical Megabank Building 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Genki Shinoda
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 7F, Tohoku Medical Megabank Building 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 7F, Tohoku Medical Megabank Building 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
| | - Fuji Nagami
- Department of Public Relations and Planning, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 3F, Tohoku Medical Megabank Building 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hozawa
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 7F, Tohoku Medical Megabank Building 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
- Division of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
- Division of Personalized Prevention and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 7F, Tohoku Medical Megabank Building 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
| | - Tomoko Nishimura
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
| | - Kenji J Tsuchiya
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
| | - Shinichi Kuriyama
- Division of Molecular Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 7F, Tohoku Medical Megabank Building 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, 7F, Tohoku Medical Megabank Building 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
- Division of Disaster Public Health, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 7F, Tohoku Medical Megabank Building 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8573, Japan
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Gillioz E, Gentaz E, Lejeune F. The Effect of Screen Habits and Alternative Activities on Tactile Exploration Skills in 6- to 36-Month-Old Toddlers. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:1027. [PMID: 39201961 PMCID: PMC11352288 DOI: 10.3390/children11081027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES With the rising ubiquity of digital media and screens in everyday life, toddlers are increasingly exposed to different screens from an early age (i.e., television, computer, tablet, phone). However, few studies have examined the effect of these screens on toddlers' perceptual development. Since tactile exploration skills are necessary for environmental discovery and overall development, the current research investigates the links between screen-use habits and the tactile exploration skills (with visual control) of 6- to 36-month-old toddlers. METHODS The study involved observing the interactions of 135 toddlers with various objects and assessing the complexity of their visuo-tactile exploration strategies through two original experimental tasks. Data concerning screen habits and other relevant factors, such as socio-economic level, were collected using a parental questionnaire. RESULTS Toddlers with greater screen exposure time demonstrated weaker tactile exploration skills and employed less age-appropriate exploration strategies. Socio-economic factors and parental engagement in alternative activities significantly influenced these developmental outcomes. CONCLUSIONS These findings emphasize the importance of reducing screen time and promoting interactive co-viewing and alternative activities to mitigate the negative effects of screen exposure. Further longitudinal research is needed to determine the long-term impacts of early screen exposure on tactile exploration and overall psychological development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Gillioz
- Department of Psychology, University of Geneva,1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (E.G.); (F.L.)
| | - Edouard Gentaz
- Department of Psychology, University of Geneva,1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (E.G.); (F.L.)
- Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 75116 Paris, France
| | - Fleur Lejeune
- Department of Psychology, University of Geneva,1205 Geneva, Switzerland; (E.G.); (F.L.)
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Mallawaarachchi S, Burley J, Mavilidi M, Howard SJ, Straker L, Kervin L, Staton S, Hayes N, Machell A, Torjinski M, Brady B, Thomas G, Horwood S, White SLJ, Zabatiero J, Rivera C, Cliff D. Early Childhood Screen Use Contexts and Cognitive and Psychosocial Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatr 2024:2821940. [PMID: 39102255 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.2620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Importance The multifaceted nature of screen use has been largely overlooked in favor of a simplistic unidimensional measure of overall screen time when evaluating the benefits and risks of screen use to early childhood development. Objective To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine associations of screen use contexts in early childhood with cognitive and psychosocial outcomes. Data Sources PsycINFO, Embase, MEDLINE Ovid, ProQuest, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception to December 31, 2023. Study Selection A total of 7441 studies were initially identified. Studies were included if they examined associations between a contextual factor of screen use among children aged 0 to 5.99 years and cognitive or psychosocial development. Observational, experimental, and randomized clinical trial study designs were included. Data Extraction and Synthesis All studies were independently screened in duplicate following PRISMA guidelines. Effect sizes of associations (r) from observational studies were pooled using random-effects 3-level meta-analyses. The remaining study designs were narratively synthesized. Main Outcomes and Measures Screen use contexts included content (child directed and age inappropriate), type (program viewing and game or app use), co-use (or solo use), background television, caregiver screen use during child routines, and purpose. Outcomes were cognitive (executive functioning, language, and academic skills) or psychosocial (internalizing and externalizing behavior problems and socioemotional competence). Results Overall, 100 studies (176 742 participants) were included, and of these, 64 observational studies (pooled sample sizes ranging from 711 to 69 232) were included in meta-analyses. Program viewing (n = 14; k = 48; r, -0.16; 95% CI, -0.24 to -0.08) and background television (n = 8; k = 18; r, -0.10; 95% CI, -0.18 to -0.02) were negatively associated with cognitive outcomes, while program viewing (n = 6; k = 31; r, -0.04; 95% CI, -0.07 to -0.01), age-inappropriate content (n = 9; k = 36; r, -0.11; 95% CI, -0.17 to -0.04), and caregiver screen use during routines (n = 6; k = 14; r, -0.11; 95% CI, -0.20 to -0.03) were negatively associated with psychosocial outcomes. Co-use was positively associated with cognitive outcomes (n = 8; k = 28; r, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.25). Conclusions and Relevance Findings show small to moderate effect sizes that highlight the need to consider screen use contexts when making recommendations for families, clinicians, and educators beyond screen time limits; including encouraging intentional and productive screen use, age-appropriate content, and co-use with caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumudu Mallawaarachchi
- School of Education, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jade Burley
- School of Education, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Myrto Mavilidi
- School of Education, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Steven J Howard
- School of Education, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Leon Straker
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lisa Kervin
- School of Education, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sally Staton
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicole Hayes
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amanda Machell
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Marina Torjinski
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brodie Brady
- School of Education, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - George Thomas
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Health and Wellbeing Centre for Research Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sharon Horwood
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sonia L J White
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Juliana Zabatiero
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Clara Rivera
- School of Education, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dylan Cliff
- School of Education, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Mekhail KT, Blom L, Rydström LL. Young children's screen habits and first-time parents' reflections on screen use in socioeconomically disadvantaged Swedish settings: a mixed methods study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2027. [PMID: 39075392 PMCID: PMC11285388 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19557-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite WHO's recommendation of limited screen time for children < 2 years, they are worldwide established screen users. Several negative consequences are connected to excessive screen use among children. As parents are key actors in introducing screens to children, it is important to explore children's screen habits and parents' perspectives on screen in different populations, which could support the development of guidelines for healthier screen use. This study aimed to explore young children's screen use habits and describe first-time parents' reflections on children's screen use in socioeconomically disadvantaged Swedish settings. METHODS This mixed methods study was a part of larger studies within Stockholm County. The data were collected through semi-structured questionnaire-based interviews, among first-time parents (N = 386) of 15-18 months-olds at local Child Health Care centres during 2019-2022. Quantitative and qualitative data analyses conducted in parallel resulted in descriptive statistics and qualitative categories. RESULTS Most children (92.4%) used screens by the age of 15-18 months, commonly for a maximum of 30 min (48.5%) per day. Participants stated the most suitable age for starting screen use to be after (41.7%) or at (37.9%) the age of two years. Parents' reflections on screen use formed three main categories, each having two sub-categories: screen use patterns (screen-related time and reasons for screen use), perceived concerns with screen use (child development and social issues), and attitudes related to screen use (parents' attitudes towards screens and child's response to screens). CONCLUSIONS First-time parents in socioeconomically disadvantaged settings expressed awareness of possible negative screen-related effects and recommendations but did not always focus on long-term consequences when using screens in everyday life. Screens used as a short distraction, time spent together with screens, infants' contact with relatives overseas, and pedagogical children's programs and apps can be regarded as screen-related benefits. Encouraging parents' self-reflection on their screen use may be a way of contributing to healthier screen habits among young children. Future studies are suggested regarding parents' and children's excessive interest in screens and how to manage screen use as a family. TRIAL REGISTRATION Retrospectively registered 18 February 2020 (ISRCTN10336603) and 24 May 2021 (ISRCTN66190787) in ISRCTN registry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsi Tiitinen Mekhail
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Global Public Health (GPH), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Lisa Blom
- Department of Global Public Health (GPH), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lise-Lott Rydström
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Chakranon P, Huang JP, Au HK, Lin CL, Chen YY, Mao SP, Lin WY, Zou ML, Estinfort W, Chen YH. The importance of mother-child interaction on smart device usage and behavior outcomes among toddlers: a longitudinal study. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:79. [PMID: 38943161 PMCID: PMC11214231 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00772-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, smart devices have become an integral part of daily life. However, longitudinal studies, particularly those regarding the relationship between toddlers' smart device usage and behavioral outcomes, are limited. Understanding the impact of parent-child interactions on this relationship is crucial for enhancing toddlers' developmental outcomes. Accordingly, this study examined the influence of early screen time and media content exposure on toddlers' behaviors, as well as the positive effects of mother-child interactions on this influence. METHODS We used relevant data related to 277 children born between November 2016 and July 2020 and who were part of an ongoing prospective follow-up study conducted across five hospitals in Taipei City, Taiwan. We analyzed (1) data from maternal reports regarding children's behavior by using the Child Behavior Checklist (for ages 11/2-5 years), (2) assessments of mother-child interactions by using the Brigance Parent-Child Interactions Scale, and (3) self-reported parental data covering the first 3 postpartum years. Statistical analyses involved group-based trajectory modeling and multiple linear regression. RESULTS A considerable increase in screen time between the ages of 1 and 3 years was associated with less favorable behavioral outcomes at age 3. These outcomes included somatic complaints [adjusted beta coefficient (aβ) = 2.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.39-3.95, p-value = 0.01], withdrawal (aβ = 2.42, 95% CI = 0.15-4.69, p-value = 0.04), and aggressive behavior (aβ = 6.53, 95% CI = 0.25-12.81, p-value = 0.04). This association was particularly evident among children with lower levels of mother-child interaction. Nevertheless, positive mother-child interactions mitigated most of the adverse effects. Additionally, increased exposure to games and cartoons was associated with poorer behavioral outcomes in all children except for those experiencing positive mother-child interactions. CONCLUSION Early mother-child interactions play a crucial role in mitigating the risk of behavioral problems in toddlers who spend prolonged periods looking at screens and who are frequently exposed to game and cartoon content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pairote Chakranon
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Pei Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Heng-Kien Au
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Li Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heping Fuyou Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Yung Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Peng Mao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yi Lin
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lun Zou
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wanda Estinfort
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
| | - Yi-Hua Chen
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Research Center of Health Equity, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, 10F., Biomedical Technology Building, Shuang-Ho Campus, No. 301, Yuantong Rd., Zhonghe Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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Morawska A, Mitchell AE, Tooth LR. Managing Screen Use in the Under-Fives: Recommendations for Parenting Intervention Development. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2023; 26:943-956. [PMID: 37171529 PMCID: PMC10640456 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-023-00435-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The impact of excessive screen use on children's health and development is a public health concern and many countries have published recommendations to limit and guide the use of screen media in childhood. Despite this, international studies report that the majority of parents and children do not adhere to screen use recommendations. Existing research aiming to understand children' screen use has largely focused on older children, and on demographic and structural aspects of the child's environment. Parents play a central role in determining young children's screen use and identify numerous barriers to developing healthy screen use practices with their children. However, no clear models exist that incorporate key parenting factors in understanding children's screen use, which presents an impediment to intervention development. Likewise, while some evidence exists for interventions to improve children's screen use behaviours, most are focused on older children and parental involvement has generally been limited. In this paper, we overview key factors associated with screen use in young children (< 5 years) and summarise the existing evidence base for interventions designed to support healthy screen use. This paper proposes a conceptual model linking aspects of parenting and the socio-ecological environment to young children's screen use. Our proposed model could be used to design longitudinal studies of screen use predictors and outcomes, and inform intervention development. Finally, the paper provides key recommendations for future research, intervention development and testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Morawska
- Parenting and Family Support Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, 13 Upland Road, St Lucia, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia.
| | - Amy E Mitchell
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Leigh R Tooth
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Operto FF, Viggiano A, Perfetto A, Citro G, Olivieri M, Simone VD, Bonuccelli A, Orsini A, Aiello S, Coppola G, Pastorino GMG. Digital Devices Use and Fine Motor Skills in Children between 3-6 Years. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:960. [PMID: 37371192 DOI: 10.3390/children10060960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: The principal aim of our research was to explore the relationship between digital devices use and fine motor skills in children aged three to six years and to explore the effect of some socio-demographic factors. (2) Methods: we enrolled 185 children aged between three to six years. The parents of all the participants fulfilled a questionnaire to explore the digital device use, and their children performed a standardized test to assess fine motor skills (APCM-2). We performed the Spearman correlation test to explore the relationship between different variables. (3) Results: the children spent an average of 3.08 ± 2.30 h/day on digital devices. We did not find a significant association between the time of use of digital devices and fine motor skills (p = 0.640; r = -0.036). The youngest children experienced digital tools earlier than older ones (p < 0.001; r = 0.424) and they were also the ones who used digital tools more time afterwards (p = 0.012; -0.202). The children who had working parents spent more time on digital devices (p = 0.028; r = 0.164/p = 0.037; r = 0.154) and used digital devices earlier (p = 0.023; r = 0.171). (4) Conclusions: This data suggest that it would be useful to monitor the use of digital tools, especially in the very first years of life. Future studies are needed to further explore this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Antonio Perfetto
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Gabriella Citro
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Miriam Olivieri
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Valeria de Simone
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Alice Bonuccelli
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Orsini
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Salvatore Aiello
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Giangennaro Coppola
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
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Kerbl R. [Pediatrics up to date-Brief notes on research]. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2023; 171:492-494. [PMID: 37266399 PMCID: PMC10184632 DOI: 10.1007/s00112-023-01773-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Reinhold Kerbl
- Abteilung für Kinder und Jugendliche, LKH Hochsteiermark/Leoben, Vordernbergerstr. 42, 8700 Leoben, Österreich
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