Prevalence ofExtended Screen Exposure in Young Indian Children

Excessive screen time among children has become a global issue due to its negative impact on health and development. Understanding its prevalence and associated risk factors is essential for designing effective interventions. A new study aimed to estimate screen exposure time and identify related risk factors among children aged 6 months to 6 years in Akola district, India.

This was a descriptive, facility-based study conducted in Akola district using data from two outpatient departments. Data were gathered through interviews with mothers using a pre-designedquestionnaire. Sociodemographic factors and screen time habits were assessed. Statistical analyses, including multivariate regression, were performed to identify significant predictors of screen exposure time.

Among the 417 children in the study, 53.7% had excessive screen exposure, averaging 1.6 hours per day. Infants under 1 year showed particularly high exposure rates (95.1%). Maternal and paternal education, maternal occupation, and the child's behavior (e.g., tantrums) were significantly associated with screen exposure time.

The findings indicate a pressing need for public health interventions to reduce excessive screen time among young children. Efforts should focus on increasing parental awareness, promoting healthier screen time practices, and encouraging outdoor activities. 

This study underscores the critical need for public health measures to address the rising prevalence of excessive screen time among young children. Understanding the sociodemographic factors influencing screen time can help tailor interventions. Excessive screen time among children is a significant public health issue that must be addressed through appropriate preventive measures at family, community, and school levels. General physicians, pediatricians, and child health specialists should counsel parents about the harmful effects of excessive screen time during their clinical interactions and advocate for targeted interventions.

Further research is needed to assess the pandemic's impact on screen-time patterns and to evaluate intervention effectiveness in reducing screen exposure among young children.

Source: Paldiwal A, Kabra P, Kawalkar U, et al. Preventive Medicine: Research & Reviews. 2024:10-4103.