Relationship between screen time among children and lower economic status during elementary school closures due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

Abstract

Background This study aimed to examine whether the extended use of a variety of digital screen devices was associated with lower economic status and other environmental factors among Korean elementary school children and their caregivers during school closures precipitated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods A total of 217 caregivers of children 7–12 years of age from Suwon, Korea, were recruited and asked to respond to a self-administered questionnaire in June 2020. The questionnaire addressed demographic information and children’s use of digital media, in addition to their caregivers. The t-test was used for continuous variables, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for variables measured on an interval scale. A multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the effects of significant correlative factors on screen time in children as predictors. Results Children with lower household incomes demonstrated a higher frequency and longer duration of smartphone and tablet personal computer use compared to those from higher income households. Children of households in which incomes decreased after COVID-19 used smartphones and tablet PCs more often and for longer durations. Children from households that experienced decreased income(s) after COVID-19 used personal computers more often and for a longer duration, and children from low-income families engaged in longer screen time on smartphones. A change in primary caregiver(s) may have increased children’s screen time on smartphones. Conclusion Lower household income was associated with longer screen time among children, and poor mental health among caregivers during school closures precipitated the COVID-19 pandemic.

The effects of technology use on children's physical activity: a cross-sectional study in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia

“…The current study found no significant relationship between parental educational level, marital status, or monthly income and technology use. This finding contradicts a recent study where children from lower-income households used smartphones and tablets more frequently and for longer periods than those from higher-income households [ 33 ]. Another significant finding was that most children who remained on their devices for 6 hours or longer were boys.…”

Lower-Income Predicts Increased Smartphone Use and Problematic Behaviors Among Schoolchildren During COVID-19 Related School Modification: A Longitudinal Study

“…These results are consistent with the results of previous studies showing that the low-income class was vulnerable to media overuse, sleep problems, and problematic behavior. 15 25 34 36 Family income, not only parental wellbeing, but access to an abundant resource of structured education and activity, is an important factor in establishing and maintaining a family's effective coping strategy. 37 However, how income affects other variables during COVID-19 needs to be investigated in detail through additional research.…”

“…Screen time was investigated by asking primary daytime caregivers to report the frequency per week and time per day of their children’s screen time including television (TV), tablet personal computer (PC), and smartphone in line with the recommendations of previous studies. 13 25 According to the frequency of use, a request was made to select the number of days each device was used for 1 week. The response options for the mean length of time per day the media were accessed, and the corresponding coded scores were as follows: none (score: 0; less than 1 hour (score: 1); more than 1 hour and less than 2 hours (score: 2); more than 2 hours and less than 3 hours (score: 3); more than 3 hours and less than 4 hours (score: 4); and more than 4 hours (score: 5).…”

Factors Associated with Excessive Screen Time Usage among Preschool Children and Risk for Behavior Problems

“…Another large-scale national survey showed child's age, race, parental education, and marital status had significant effects across most types of media [11]. Maternal education, employment, household income and type of care provider were also among the significant predictors quoted in previous studies [12,13]. Environmental factors significantly associated with excessive screen time among younger children were less number of outings and households with no outdoor equipment [14].…”