Longitudinal associations between maternal and child screen use at 1 year of age and child behavior and development at 3 years of age

Young children are increasingly exposed to evolving screen technology. International guidelines recommend no screen use for children under the age of 2 years, due to the potential for detrimental effects on behaviour and development. However, evidence for these guidelines is limited by inadequate consideration of device-specific effects (TV and mobile phone/tablet computer), maternal screen use, confounders such as maternal mental health and importance of effect sizes.

Citation:
Sim S, Zabatiero J, Bear N, …….. Silva D, Straker L. Longitudinal associations between maternal and child screen use at 1 year of age and child behavior and development at 3 years of age. BMC Pediatrics. 2025;25(1):791.

Keywords:
Child development; Cohort; Mental health; Origins; Screen use; Socioeconomic equity

Abstract:
Young children are increasingly exposed to evolving screen technology. International guidelines recommend no screen use for children under the age of 2 years, due to the potential for detrimental effects on behaviour and development. However, evidence for these guidelines is limited by inadequate consideration of device-specific effects (TV and mobile phone/tablet computer), maternal screen use, confounders such as maternal mental health and importance of effect sizes.