Screen time use in children under 3 years old: a systematic review of correlates

Abstract

BackgroundA large percentage (68%) of children under age 3 use screen media, such as television, DVDs and video games, on a daily basis. Research suggests that increased screen time in young children is linked to negative health outcomes, including increased BMI, decreased cognitive and language development and reduced academic success. Reviews on correlates of screen time for young children have included preschool age children and children up to age 7; however, none have focused specifically on correlates among infants and toddlers. As research suggests that screen media use increases with age, examining correlates of early media exposure is essential to reducing exposure later in life. Thus, this paper systemically reviews literature published between January 1999 and January 2013 on correlates of screen time among children between 0 and 36 months of age.MethodsTwo methods were used to conduct this review: (1) Computerized searches of databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC, Medline); and (2) Reference sections of existing reviews and primary studies. Inclusion criteria were: (1) The article included separate data for children 36 months and younger, (2) English language, (3) peer reviewed article, (4) analysis reported for screen viewing as a dependent variable, (5) original research article and, (6) examined correlates or associations between screen time and other demographic, contextual or behavioral variables. Articles were compiled between 2011 and 2013 and evaluation occurred in 2012 and 2013.ResultsThe literature search identified 29 studies that met inclusion criteria. These studies investigated a total of 33 potential correlates, which were examined in this review. Findings suggest demographic variables most commonly correlated with high screen time among infants and toddlers are child’s age (older) and race/ethnicity (minority). Child BMI, maternal distress/depression, television viewing time of the mother and cognitive stimulation in the home environment were also associated with screen media use. Studies reported that child sex, first born status, paternal education, non-English speaking family, two-parent household, number of children in the home and non-parental childcare were not associated with screen time among children aged 0–36 months. Associations were unclear (fewer than 60% of studies report an association) for maternal age, maternal education and household income. The remaining correlates were investigated in fewer than three studies and thus not coded for an association.ConclusionsThe correlates identified in this study point to avenues for intervention to reduce screen time use in young children. However, further research is necessary to explore a number of environmental, socio-cultural and behavioral correlates that are under-examined in this population and may further inform prevention and intervention strategies.

A Review of the Relationship Between Socioeconomic Position and the Early-Life Predictors of Obesity

“…A 2013 review by Duch et al reported that 5 of the 12 included studies (58 %) of children <3 years old found television viewing time to be lower in high SEP households [132]. The other seven studies found no association.…”

Processed and ultra-processed food consumption among children aged 13 to 35 months and associated factors

“…A systematic review showed that children's growth was also related to a longer time spent in front of the television 49 , and this exposure was associated with an excessive consumption of foods with a high energy density and low nutrient content 49,50,51 .…”

Duration of watching TV and child language development in young children

“…A child's biological and demographic factors include sex, age, ethnicity, and firstborn status; while the family's biological or demographic factors include parental education, income, and age. 3 The AAP recommends that children watch TV only after the age of 2 years, and not exceeding 2 hours per day. 1 We found that 79 of 84 subjects started watching TV before 2 years of age.…”

“…Their developers persuade parents to provide them as educational tools for children. Duch et al 3 reported that 82% of children aged one year watched TV everyday; some children aged 2 years watched TV longer than two hours per day. They also found that as children grew older they tended to watch more TV.…”

“…This habit should be changed in order to achieve better development, as not only language development is affected, but cognitive development and academic achievement may also be affected as the child gets older. 3,4 The Indonesian Pediatric Society (Ikatan Dokter Anak Indonesia) stated that 5-8% of preschool children have speech and language delays. 5 According to Suwarba et al speech and walking delays are the most common developmental problems in children seen at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital.…”