Digital Media Use and Early Childhood Well-Being

Focusing on the importance of parent-child interaction may be most effective in helping families avoid behavioral risks of media use.

Excessive or inappropriate digital media use in early childhood has been linked with adverse outcomes, such as obesity, poor sleep, academic difficulties, and behavior problems. However, it can be challenging to motivate families to change entrenched media habits within the limited time of clinic visits. Therefore, it is helpful to know exactly which media-related health behaviors might be the most effective to target.

Researchers in Shanghai, China, surveyed the parents of roughly 20,000 children entering preschool (average age, 3.5 years) about digital media habits, child psychosocial problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), parent-child interactions, sleep, and demographics. On average, children watched 2.8 hours/day of media,…

Reviewing Author

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

Digital Media Use and Early Childhood Well-Being

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Reviewing Author