Evaluation of the time of exposure to digital media in children aged 2 to 5 years followed-up in pediatric and child neurology reference services in Salvador-BA: a cross-sectional study

*Correspondence: [e-mail].

Abstract

Background: With the advance of technology, changes in family dynamics have occurred, such as the use of media as an ally of parents in the education and entertainment of their children. The concern with the consequences of excessive screen use is recent, and little is known about the harm inherent to this issue. In this scenario, the American Pediatric Society recommends a maximum of 1 hour of screen use per day for children between 2 and 5 years old. However, most families exceed this recommended period.

Objective: To describe the average daily time of screen exposure and its possible implications in children aged 2 to 5 years.

Methods: Prospective cohort using primary data from patients aged 2 to 5 years old seen by the pediatrics and neurology services of a pediatric hospital in Salvador-BA. We used a questionnaire regarding the child's screen use routine and the SPAI questionnaire, used for determination of the smartphone use addiction in parents. The data were analyzed by the SPSS program, version 25.1 for Windows, using Student's t-test and Pearson's chi-square.

Results: Of the 478 patients summoned to participate in the survey, 155 fit the sample criteria. Among them, the majority were male (66%) and mixed skin color (52.2%). They started screen exposure when they were <1 year old (46.5%) and were mostly exposed between 2 and 4 hours a day. The groups seen in the pediatric and child neurology outpatient clinics were homogeneous. This study revealed some predictors related to excessive use of screens: having companion while using media (p=0.04), as well as having equipment in the room (p=0.01) and using them during meals (p=0). Furthermore, screen-addicted parents (p=0.04), and minors from Salvador and metropolitan areas (p=0.04) were associated with excessive media use. Furthermore, the present study revealed relation between excessive screen use and irritability (p=0), as well as insomnia (p=0.04).

Conclusion: Despite helping parents to keep their children occupied, using smartphones, TVs, computers, and tablets for too long can compromise the kid’s neurodevelopmental direct or indirect, with less free time for social interaction. Thus, this study was important to signalize the variants related with excess of screen explosion most impactful in the children’s lives

Publication History

Article published online:
12 May 2025