Effects of Parental Education on Screen Time, Sleep Disturbances, and Psychosocial Adaptation Among Asian Preschoolers: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Purpose: A recent increase in screen time during early childhood has adversely affected the sleep and psychosocial health of children; however, limited information is available regarding effective interventions to reduce the screen time among them. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a parental educational program on screen use, sleep quality, and psychosocial adaptation among preschoolers. Design and methods: A clustered randomized controlled study with a parallel-group design was conducted. Preschoolers with a screen time of ≥2 h/day and their parents were recruited. In total, 14 kindergartens containing 129 parent-child dyads were randomly allocated to either the experimental group (receiving parental education, N = 63 dyads) or the control group (daily activities, N = 66 dyads). Data were collected before and after the intervention. A screen time questionnaire, the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, and the Pediatric Symptom checklist-17 were provided to the participants. A linear mixed-model analysis was performed to examine the efficacy of the intervention. Results: After the intervention, the screen time of children in the experimental group was significantly reduced (effect size: 0.83, p b .001), and they presented improved sleep quality (effect size: 0.57, p = .01) and attention score (effect size: 0.77, p = .02) for psychosocial adaptation. Conclusions: Parental education is an effective intervention for reducing screen time and improving sleep quality and attention among preschoolers. Practice implications: Healthcare professionals should consider implementing parental educational programs to reduce screen time, and thus improve the sleep quality and psychosocial health of preschoolers.

Effect of screen time on behavior of pre-schoolers in Islamabad

“…According to a randomized control study, conducted in Taiwan, when the screen time of children in experimental group was significantly reduced, they presented with improved sleep quality and attention score. 20 Strength: The information this study adds to the medical literature is that Education level of pre-schoolers is having significant association with screen time. Current study has also shown significant association with mother's employment status and screen time of pre-schoolers.…”

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in Children: Clinical Treatment Insights

“…On the basis of cumulative evidence in this field [4,17,20,32,33,[37][38][39][40], the treatment approach used by the therapist in the current case studies encompasses three core elements: working with parents and families, individual therapy using CBT and motivational interviewing techniques, and focusing on IGD/ GD risk factors (e.g., social isolation, difficulties with self-control, impulsivity, family conflict, lack of warmth in family environment, low self-esteem and bullying [17]) and developmental domains (social, educational, behavioural and general health). Treatment is tailored to each child's symptoms and functioning, and relies on one parent at a minimum being willing to attend appointments and implement strategies at home.…”

Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Orang Tua Memberikan Gadget pada Anak

“…Studi terkontrol secara acak menunjukkan, bahwa setelah dilakukan intervensi program pendidikan orang tua yang mempunyai anak usia prasekolah tentang penggunaaan layar elektronik, kualitas tidur, serta psikososial anak berpotensi mengurangi waktu penggunaan layar pada anak, meningkatkan kualitas tidur dan adaptasi psikososial mereka (Lin et al, 2021). Marciano et al,(2020) mengungkapkan terdapat hubungan antara kerahasiaan dan pengungkapan diri dalam durasi penggunaan layar elektronik anak, sehingga perlunya orang tua dalam mendampingi dan mengawasi anak dalam menggunakan layar untuk membangun kepercayaan anak.…”