Researchers examine how screen time affects behavioral issues in preschool children and whether sleep quality mediates this relationship.
By Dr. Chinta SidharthanReviewed by Benedette Cuffari, M.Sc.Dec 18 2024 The research reveals a significant link between excessive screen time, poor sleep quality, increased hyperactivity, and emotional issues in preschoolers, with sleep quality playing a mediating role
The behavioral effects of screen time The growing prevalence of screen time in children’s lives has raised concerns about its potential impact on mental health and behavior. Excessive exposure to electronic screens has been associated with attention deficits, emotional disturbances, and reduced social interaction. Research also suggests that younger children are particularly vulnerable to these effects as compared to older children and adolescents.
About the study The present study surveyed 571 mothers of preschool-aged children in Shanghai, China, to investigate the effects of screen time on behavioral issues, with sleep quality acting as a mediating factor. These mothers were required to complete questionnaires using an online platform and report data on their children's screen time, sleep habits, and behavioral problems.
All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and mediation analysis. The mediation analysis examined whether sleep quality mediated the link between screen time and behavioral problems. Higher screen time was directly associated with increased hyperactive attention issues and emotional symptoms. More screen time was also found to impact sleep quality negatively, which subsequently contributed to worsening behavioral outcomes.
Adolescents Children Hyperactivity Mental Health Research
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