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Slobodin O, Hetzroni OE, Mandel M, Saad Nuttman S, Gawi Damashi Z, Machluf E, Davidovitch M. Infant screen media and child development: A prospective community study. INFANCY 2024; 29:155-174. [PMID: 38157284 DOI: 10.1111/infa.12575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The current study examined longitudinal associations between early screen media exposure (assessed at 6, 12, and 24 months) and the child's motor and language/communication development at the ages of 24 and 36 months. We also aimed to study whether these associations varied by socioeconomic status (SES). Participants were 179 parent-infant dyads, recruited from well-baby clinic services during routine visits. Child development measures included standardized measures of developmental milestones as assessed by professionals and referral data to child developmental centers. Both measures were retrieved from the official health maintenance organization records by an expert in child development. Results indicated that screen exposure at 6 and 12 months was associated with a higher risk for language/communication deficits at 36 months in children with moderate or high SES but not in children with low SES. Our findings are consistent with existing literature demonstrating cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between early screen exposure and language development deficits. Given that media use practices and motivations vary among families from different backgrounds, further investigation of the interaction between SES and screen exposure is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ortal Slobodin
- School of Education, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Orit E Hetzroni
- Faculty of Education, Department of Special Education, Haifa University, Haifa, Israel
| | - Moran Mandel
- Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | | | - Zainab Gawi Damashi
- Faculty of Education, Department of Special Education, Haifa University, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eden Machluf
- Faculty of Education, Department of Special Education, Haifa University, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michael Davidovitch
- Kahn Sagol Maccabi Research and Innovation Center, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Xie Y, Zeng F, Dai Z. The Links Among Cumulative Ecological Risk and Smartphone Addiction, Sleep Quality in Chinese University Freshmen: A Two-Wave Study. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:379-392. [PMID: 38317739 PMCID: PMC10840536 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s445166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose While previous research has highlighted the influence of family, school, and peer factors on smartphone addiction and sleep quality, the cumulative effects of these risk factors and their underlying causal relationships remain poorly understood. Therefore, based on the cumulative risk model and the bioecological model of human development, this study examined the longitudinal associations between cumulative ecological risk and smartphone addiction and sleep quality. Methods A survey was conducted among 653 Chinese university freshmen (mean age 18.56) at two distinct time points, with a 6-month interval. The initial assessment focused on family, school, and peer risk factors, while the subsequent assessment focused on smartphone addiction and sleep quality. Results Approximately 63.71% of university freshmen were found to be at risk of exposure. Compared to other risk-exposure groups, the group with no-risk exposure exhibited the lowest scores for smartphone addiction and sleep quality. The relationships between cumulative ecological risk and smartphone addiction and sleep quality displayed a linear pattern and a discernible "gradient effect". Smartphone addiction was identified as a fully mediating factor in the link between cumulative ecological risk and sleep quality, with a mediating effect value of 0.08 (representing 44.44% of the total effect). Conclusion University freshmen face various risks associated with their families, schools, and peers. The cumulative ecological risk can, directly and indirectly, impact sleep quality by influencing smartphone addiction. Given the observed "gradient effect" of cumulative ecological risk on smartphone addiction and sleep quality, it is imperative to adopt comprehensive risk prevention strategies to mitigate the impact of each risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuntian Xie
- Department of Applied Psychology, Changsha Normal University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feiyan Zeng
- Department of Applied Psychology, Changsha Normal University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhou Dai
- Department of Applied Psychology, Changsha Normal University, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
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Ponti M. Screen time and preschool children: Promoting health and development in a digital world. Paediatr Child Health 2023; 28:184-202. [PMID: 37205134 PMCID: PMC10186096 DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxac125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 transformed the family media environment and spurred research on the effects of screen media exposure and use on young children. This update of a 2017 CPS statement re-examines the potential benefits and risks of screen media in children younger than 5 years, with focus on developmental, psychosocial, and physical health. Four evidence-based principles-minimizing, mitigating, mindfully using, and modelling healthy use of screens-continue to guide children's early experience with a rapidly changing media landscape. Knowing how young children learn and develop informs best practice for health care providers and early years professionals (e.g., early childhood educators, child care providers). Anticipatory guidance should now include child and family screen use in (and beyond) pandemic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ponti
- Canadian Paediatric Society, Digital Health Task Force, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Almeida ML, Garon-Carrier G, Cinar E, Frizzo GB, Fitzpatrick C. Prospective associations between child screen time and parenting stress and later inattention symptoms in preschoolers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1053146. [PMID: 37303895 PMCID: PMC10249107 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1053146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Child attention skills are critical for supporting self-regulation abilities, especially during the first years of life. On the other hand, inattention symptoms in preschoolers have been associated with poor school readiness, literacy skills and academic achievement. Previous research has linked excessive screen time with increased inattention symptoms in early childhood. However, most research has only focused on TV exposure and did not investigate this association during the COVID-19 pandemic. This atypical context has increased screen time in children worldwide, including preschoolers. We hypothesize that higher levels of child screen media and parenting stress at age 3.5 will be associated with higher child inattention symptoms at age 4.5. Method This study draws on participants followed longitudinally over the span of 2-years for an investigation of Canadian preschoolers' screen media use during the pandemic (N = 315, 2020). A follow-up with this sample was completed in 2021 (N = 264). Results Analyses using multiple linear regression, revealed a positive association between child screen time at age 3.5 and inattention symptoms at 4.5 years. Parental stress was also positively associated with child inattention symptoms. Associations were observed above individual (child age, inhibitory control, and sex) and family (parent education and family income) characteristics. Discussion These results confirmed our hypothesis and highlight that preschooler screen use and parenting stress may undermine attentional skills. Since attention is a crucial component for children development, behavior and academic outcomes, our study reinforces the importance for parents of adopting healthy media habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Lopes Almeida
- Département de l’enseignement au préscolaire et au primaire, Faculté d`Éducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Garon-Carrier
- Département de psychoéducation, Faculté d`Éducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrook, QC, Canada
| | - Eda Cinar
- Département de psychoéducation, Faculté d`Éducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrook, QC, Canada
| | - Giana Bitencourt Frizzo
- Departamento de Psicologia do Desenvolvimento e Personalidade, Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Caroline Fitzpatrick
- Département de l’enseignement au préscolaire et au primaire, Faculté d`Éducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Department of Childhood Education, Faculty of Education, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Swider-Cios E, Vermeij A, Sitskoorn MM. Young children and screen-based media: The impact on cognitive and socioemotional development and the importance of parental mediation. COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cogdev.2023.101319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
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Law EC, Han MX, Lai Z, Lim S, Ong ZY, Ng V, Gabard-Durnam LJ, Wilkinson CL, Levin AR, Rifkin-Graboi A, Daniel LM, Gluckman PD, Chong YS, Meaney MJ, Nelson CA. Associations Between Infant Screen Use, Electroencephalography Markers, and Cognitive Outcomes. JAMA Pediatr 2023; 177:311-318. [PMID: 36716016 PMCID: PMC9887532 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.5674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Importance Research evidence is mounting for the association between infant screen use and negative cognitive outcomes related to attention and executive functions. The nature, timing, and persistence of screen time exposure on neural functions are currently unknown. Electroencephalography (EEG) permits elucidation of the neural correlates associated with cognitive impairments. Objective To examine the associations between infant screen time, EEG markers, and school-age cognitive outcomes using mediation analysis with structural equation modeling. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective maternal-child dyad cohort study included participants from the population-based study Growing Up in Singapore Toward Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO). Pregnant mothers were enrolled in their first trimester from June 2009 through December 2010. A subset of children who completed neurodevelopmental visits at ages 12 months and 9 years had EEG performed at age 18 months. Data were reported from 3 time points at ages 12 months, 18 months, and 9 years. Mediation analyses were used to investigate how neural correlates were involved in the paths from infant screen time to the latent construct of attention and executive functioning. Data for this study were collected from November 2010 to March 2020 and were analyzed between October 2021 and May 2022. Exposures Parent-reported screen time at age 12 months. Main Outcomes and Measures Power spectral density from EEG was collected at age 18 months. Child attention and executive functions were measured with teacher-reported questionnaires and objective laboratory-based tasks at age 9 years. Results In this sample of 437 children, the mean (SD) age at follow-up was 8.84 (0.07) years, and 227 children (51.9%) were male. The mean (SD) amount of daily screen time at age 12 months was 2.01 (1.86) hours. Screen time at age 12 months contributed to multiple 9-year attention and executive functioning measures (η2, 0.03-0.16; Cohen d, 0.35-0.87). A subset of 157 children had EEG performed at age 18 months; EEG relative theta power and theta/beta ratio at the frontocentral and parietal regions showed a graded correlation with 12-month screen use (r = 0.35-0.37). In the structural equation model accounting for household income, frontocentral and parietal theta/beta ratios partially mediated the association between infant screen time and executive functioning at school age (exposure-mediator β, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.59; mediator-outcome β, -0.38; 95% CI, -0.64 to -0.11), forming an indirect path that accounted for 39.4% of the association. Conclusions and Relevance In this study, infant screen use was associated with altered cortical EEG activity before age 2 years; the identified EEG markers mediated the association between infant screen time and executive functions. Further efforts are urgently needed to distinguish the direct association of infant screen use compared with family factors that predispose early screen use on executive function impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn C. Law
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Khoo Teck Puat–National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Meredith X. Han
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhuoyuan Lai
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Shuping Lim
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zi Yan Ong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Valerie Ng
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Laurel J. Gabard-Durnam
- Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carol L. Wilkinson
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - April R. Levin
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anne Rifkin-Graboi
- Centre for Research in Child Development, National Institute of Education, Singapore
| | - L. Mary Daniel
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Child Development, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore
- Academic Medicine Department, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Peter D. Gluckman
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yap Seng Chong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Health System and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael J. Meaney
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill University and Douglas Mental Health University Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Charles A. Nelson
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Gueron-Sela N, Shalev I, Gordon-Hacker A, Egotubov A, Barr R. Screen media exposure and behavioral adjustment in early childhood during and after COVID-19 home lockdown periods. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2023; 140:107572. [PMID: 36438719 PMCID: PMC9677335 DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There is ample evidence that young children's screen media use has sharply increased since the outbreak of the novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, the long-term impact of these changes on children's adjustment is currently unclear. The goals of the current study were to assess longitudinal trajectories of young children's screen media exposure through a series of national COVID-19 home lockdowns and to examine the predictive associations between different aspects of media exposure and post-lockdown behavioral adjustment. Data were collected at four timepoints during and after home lockdown periods in Israel. Longitudinal data measuring various aspects of media use, behavioral conduct and emotional problems were gathered from a sample of 313 Israeli children (54% females) between the ages two to five years (Mage at T1 = 3.6), by surveying their mothers at 5 points in time. Child overall screen time use, exposure to background television, use of media to regulate child distress and maternal mobile device use all changed throughout the lockdown periods. Moreover, during lockdowns children's behavior problems were concurrently and positively correlated with screen time, use of media to regulate child distress, and exposure to background television. However, these were not longitudinally related to child behavior problems in the post-lockdown period. Possible implications for family media use during a public health crisis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Gueron-Sela
- The Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
- Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Israel
| | - Ido Shalev
- The Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
- Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Israel
| | | | - Alisa Egotubov
- The Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
| | - Rachel Barr
- The Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, USA
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The impact of screen exposure on attention abilities in young children: a systematic review. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 142:76-88. [PMID: 37001326 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neurocognitive consequences of exposure to screens in school-aged children have been the subject of multiple studies. However, the relationship between screen exposure and neurocognitive development, especially attentional functions, remains unclear in preschool children. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the immediate and long-term impact of screen exposure on attentional functions in preschoolers. METHODS Three electronic databases (PubMed, COCHRANE, and SCOPUS) were searched for studies published between January 1, 2000, and November 30, 2020. Two reviewers independently selected studies. Inclusion criteria were observational studies, inclusion of children aged less than seven years with no neurodevelopmental disorders, evaluation of screen time, and evaluation of attentional functions. Data extracted including participants' ages, number of participants, screen exposure time, attention assessment tool, and confounding factors. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS Five cross-sectional studies were included: all reported significant, positive associations between high levels of screen exposure and attention difficulties. Ten longitudinal studies were included: six found a significant impact of earlier screen exposure on subsequent attentional function and four found no relationship. Eight of the studies included evaluated the direction of the relationship between screen exposure and attentional difficulties: seven suggested the relationship is bidirectional. CONCLUSIONS These findings support current guidelines to limit screen time in preschoolers to prevent the development of attention difficulties.
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Wei X, Liu H, Yang L, Gao Z, Kuang J, Zhou K, Xu M. Joint developmental trajectories and temporal precedence of physical function decline and cognitive deterioration: A longitudinal population-based study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:933886. [PMID: 36312122 PMCID: PMC9597508 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.933886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectivesPrevious studies primarily explored the unidirectional impact of cognition on physical function. However, the interplay between physical function and cognition and the temporal precedence in their predictive relationships have not been elucidated. We explored the bidirectional mechanism between physical function and cognition in a longitudinal dataset.Materials and methodsA total of 1,365 participants in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey assessed physical function and cognition in 2011 (T1), 2014 (T2), and 2018 (T3) by the Katz scale and the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination scale, respectively. Changes in the trajectories of physical function and cognition were examined using the latent growth model. The correlational and reciprocal relationships between physical function and cognition were examined using the parallel process latent growth model and autoregressive cross-lagged (ARCL) models.ResultsCognition and physical function decreased by an average of 0.096 and 0.017 points per year, respectively. Higher physical function was associated with better cognition at baseline (r = 0.237, p < 0.05), and longitudinal changes in physical function and cognition were positively correlated (r = 0.756, p < 0.05). ARCL analysis indicated that physical function at T1 positively predicted T2 cognitive function. However, this predictive relationship reversed between T2 and T3, whereby cognitive function at T2 predicted physical function at T3.ConclusionBoth physical function and cognition declined over time. Early identification and intervention in physical dysfunction among older adults could be critical to prevent further cognitive impairment and maintain functional independence. Hence, regular functional assessment and individualized care plans are required to achieve healthy aging.
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Longitudinal Associations of Children’s Hyperactivity/Inattention, Peer Relationship Problems and Mobile Device Use. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14148845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Children with emotional, behavioral or relationship problems may be more inclined to use mobile touchscreen devices (MTSDs: mobiles and tablets) to regulate their emotions or compensate for the lack of social relationships, which, in turn, may affect their symptoms. Bi-directional longitudinal associations between behavioral difficulties and MTSD use were analyzed. Participants were parents of children aged 4–6 years old at first data collection (n = 173), and 7–9 years old at second data collection (n = 98). They reported on their child’s MTSD use and behavioral difficulties at two time points (T1 and T2). It was analyzed whether T1 MTSD use predicts T2 behavioral difficulties (controlling for demographics and T1 behavioral difficulties); and whether T1 behavioral difficulties predict T2 MTSD use (controlling for demographics and T1 MTSD use). Additionally, cross-sectional associations between behavioral difficulties and MTSD use were analyzed. Children’s T1 hyperactivity/inattention score positively associated with T2 MTSD use, and peer relationship problems and MTSD use positively associated in T2. Pre-schoolers with more hyperactive inattentive symptoms may use MTSDs more to regulate their emotions. The association between peer relationship problems and MTSD use in T2 is consistent with poorer socio-cognitive skills in MTSD user children and may be bi-directional.
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Smartphone-Nutzung in Gegenwart von Babys und Kleinkindern: Ein systematisches Review. Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr 2022; 71:305-326. [DOI: 10.13109/prkk.2022.71.4.305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Santos RMS, Mendes CG, Marques Miranda D, Romano-Silva MA. The Association between Screen Time and Attention in Children: A Systematic Review. Dev Neuropsychol 2022; 47:175-192. [DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2022.2064863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Renata Maria Silva Santos
- in Children and Adolescent Health, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG)Graduate Program , Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Camila Guimarães Mendes
- in Children and Adolescent Health, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG)Graduate Program , Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Débora Marques Miranda
- Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Infant media use: A harm reduction approach. Infant Behav Dev 2021; 64:101610. [PMID: 34298189 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2021.101610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There are a myriad of potentially harmful developmental outcomes associated with infant digital media use. Studies revealing risk associated with early media use have informed the current American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations that discourage most digital media use among children under 18 months of age. Recent research advances, however, suggest potential benefits of technology engagement in this age group. Additionally, surveys of parents reveal that most infants engage with digital media for at least 30 min a day, exceeding the AAP recommendations. In response to these discoveries and cultural trends, some scholars have made compelling cases to adapt the AAP guidelines for infants. A helpful model for developing infant digital media use guidelines for families may be the harm reduction approach. The intent of this review is to suggest adaptations to the AAP guidelines for infant media engagement using a harm reduction framework. This review describes the challenge of restrictive guidelines, briefly summarizes the harm reduction approach, provides a review of risks and benefits associated with infant media use in each developmental domain (physical, cognitive, and socioemotional), summarizes correlates of infant screen media use, and examines intervention strategies for reducing screen time. The paper concludes with examples of possible adaptations to current AAP infant media use recommendations using harm reduction and bioecological frameworks.
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