1.Association between family screen environment and screen content for preschool children in Shanghai
SUN Yi, YU Tao, PENG Yajun, CHEN Hao, LUO Sha, JIA Yingnan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(8):1144-1147
Objective:
To investigate the current status of screen exposure among preschool children in Shanghai and its association with family screen environment, so as to provide a scientific basis for family screen management.
Methods:
Using a convenient sampling method, a total of 349 preschool children aged 4-6 years were selected from 36 kindergarten classes in Xuhui District and Pudong New Area in Shanghai during April to June in 2023. Demographic characteristics and family screen environment were surveyed through an online questionnaire. Screen exposure of children was assessed using a diary method, with parents recording the activities over a 7day period. Multiple Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors influencing childrens screen content.
Results:
The average daily screen exposure time for children was (61.2±40.2) minutes, with an average of (12.4±17.6) minutes spent on educational screen content, 80.8% predominantly watched noneducational screen content. The percentages of time spent on educational screen content for 4yearold boys, 4yearold girls, 5yearold boys, 5yearold girls, 6yearold boys, and 6yearold girls were 20.1%, 14.7%, 21.3%, 21.9%, 20.6%, and 26.9%, respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression showed that children aged 5yearold (OR=0.49, 95%CI=0.25-0.96) and 6yearold (OR=0.45, 95%CI=0.21-0.95) were negatively associated with more noneducational screen content (P<0.05). However, occasional (OR=2.02, 95%CI=1.09-3.75) and sometimes (OR=4.50, 95%CI=1.70-11.90) using electronic devices to calm young child when crying, as well as children using electronic devices without adult supervision (OR=1.81, 95%CI=1.01-3.24) were positively associated with more noneducational screen content (P<0.05).
Conclusions
Preschool children in Shanghai exhibit high exposure to noneducational screen content, and family screen environment and parentchild interaction are associated with noneducational screen exposure. Strategies for family screen management should be developed to regulate childrens screen exposure behaviors, allowing electronic devices to play a positive role in their developmental process.