Risk of Smartphone or tablet Problematic Use in Preschoolers
Description
The increasing integration of smartphones and tablets into daily life has led to greater screen exposure among preschool-aged children. Since early childhood is a crucial period for cognitive and social development, excessive screen time poses a potential public health concern. This study examined factors influencing screen time in children aged 1–5 years across 31 countries. Using Ordinary Least Squares regression analysis, researchers assessed household composition, parental characteristics, and child-specific factors. The model explained 42% of the variance in children’s screen time, with parental device-giving frequency emerging as the strongest predictor. Older children and those in larger households had higher screen exposure, while maternal supervision was associated with lower screen time. However, factors like parental age, household adult count, biological sex, and temperament were not significant predictors. These findings highlight the critical role of parental behavior and family structure in shaping children's screen habits. To promote balanced screen use, parental interventions should address device-giving frequency and adapt screen time guidelines to modern technological realities.
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Steps to reproduce
To reproduce this study, researchers should first obtain ethical approval from a relevant institutional review board. Participants should be recruited through social media platforms targeting English-speaking parents of preschool-aged children. A self-administered questionnaire should be created on Google Forms, consisting of demographic questions about parental age, education, financial status, and household composition. Additionally, child-specific factors, including age, gender, and screen usage patterns, should be assessed using a 6-point Likert scale. Key variables should include daily screen time, frequency of device-giving, and parental supervision. Data should be collected anonymously, ensuring voluntary participation and informed consent. Researchers should aim for a diverse international sample to enhance generalizability. Finally, data analysis should be conducted using Ordinary Least Squares regression to determine significant predictors of screen time among preschoolers.