Critical window for the association between early electronic screen exposure and hyperactive behaviors in preschool children

Abstract

Overview

Electronic screens are now a commonplace aspect of daily life, raising concerns about their impact on the neuropsychological development of children. This research investigates the relationships between early screen exposure and hyperactive behaviors in preschool children, highlighting the cumulative effects and identifying critical exposure periods.

Study Details

The study was carried out via a cross-sectional survey involving 52,625 mother-child dyads in preschools located in the LongHua District, Shenzhen, China. Researchers utilized a self-administered structured questionnaire to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, children’s screen exposure in the first 3 years after birth, and current hyperactive behaviors.

Findings

• Exposure to screens in the first 3 years is linked to hyperactive behaviors in preschool-aged children.
• A significant cumulative effect was observed. Children with average daily screen time of less than 60 minutes showed increasing adjusted Odds Ratios (ORs) from 1.262 to 1.989 as the screen exposure years increased from one to three.
• The first two years post-birth were identified as a critical window where children are particularly vulnerable to screen exposure. All types of electronic screens, including televisions, mobile phones, and computers, are associated with heightened risks.

Conclusion

Early exposure to electronic screens is conclusively linked to an increased risk of developing hyperactive behaviors in preschool children. This is underlined by the presence of a cumulative effect and vulnerable periods identified within the first two years after birth, with consistent impacts across different types of screens.