DEVELOPMENTAL IMPACT OF SCREEN MEDIA EXPOSURE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY IN CHILDREN AGED 2–6 YEARS
Main Article Content
Keywords
Screen time, children, developmental delay, parental co-viewing, ASQ-3 etc.
Abstract
Digital screen exposure in early childhood is rising globally, often exceeding recommended limits and potentially impacting development. Limited research exists in low- and middle-income countries like India. This study addresses the urgent need to understand screen media’s developmental effects in Indian children aged 2–6 years for informed caregiving and policy.
Material and methods- A cross-sectional study of 80 children aged 2–6 years was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Jharkhand, India. Caregivers provided data on screen exposure and sociodemographics via questionnaires. Development was assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3). Data were analyzed with SPSS, exploring associations between screen time and developmental outcomes (p < 0.05).
Result- Among 80 children (mean age 4.1 years), 95% had screen exposure, mostly TV and smartphones. Early exposure (<12 months) and screen time over 2 hours daily were significantly associated with developmental delays (OR 2.95 and 3.81, respectively). Delays were most common in communication and personal-social domains. Parental co-viewing showed no significant protective effect. Educational content correlated with fewer delays compared to cartoons and video games.
Conclusion- This study highlights that early and prolonged screen media exposure in children aged 2–6 years is associated with increased developmental delays. Limiting screen time, delaying early exposure, and encouraging educational content with parental engagement may mitigate risks
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Dr Bimal Kumar
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Madhubani Medical College, Madhubani, India
Dr Sanjay Kumar
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Laxmi Chandravansi Medical College and Hospital, Palamu, India
Dr Rajiv Kumar Jha
Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Madhubani Medical College, Madhubani, India
Dr Vijay Kumar
Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Laxmi Chandravansi Medical College and Hospital, Palamu, India