Keeping Electronic Devices out of Kids' Bedrooms Benefits School Readiness

Having a television, game console, or computer available in the bedroom was associated with reduced school readiness among preschoolers in Hong Kong.

The presence of electronic devices (EDs) in children's bedrooms has been associated with adverse health outcomes. In a cross-sectional study involving over 500 children in Hong Kong kindergartens (mean age, 5.5 years), researchers examined the relationship between in-bedroom placement of electronic devices (televisions, game consoles, and computers) and children's school readiness, assessed by teachers using the Chinese Early Development Instrument. Results were as follows:

One third of children had at least one ED in their bedrooms, computers being the most common (21%).
Over 80% of parents limited the use of one ED, but only 72% limited use of all EDs.
Availability of an ED in the bedroom was associated with worse social competence, emotiona…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

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Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Keeping Electronic Devices out of Kids' Bedrooms Benefits School Readiness

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Reviewing Author