Abstract:
Background: The massive prevalence of children's screen exposure from a very young age is now a fact that cannot be ignored. The new digital environment, coupled with the abundance of user-friendly and accessible media devices, has contributed to this trend. The recent pandemic has exacerbated this situation. Excessive screen time during preschool years can lead to sleep disturbances and behavioural problems, which can have adverse effects on children's health and development.
Methods: The study aims to determine the average daily screen time of children aged 2 to 6 years, identify the factors influencing screen time, and investigate its potential effects on children's sleep and behaviour. A pilot survey was conducted on 42 parents of children aged 2-6 years by administering a questionnaire. This survey aimed to create a Greek version of the "Screen time of children less than 6 years of age" questionnaire. Additionally, the children's sleep habits and the preschool behaviour checklist were recorded.
Results: The average daily screen time for the sample is 51.6 (±45.9) minutes. On weekends, there is a significantly higher screen time compared to weekdays (61.7±68.4 and 47.6±40.1, respectively). Children aged 4-6 years have a considerably higher screen time (92.4±39.1 minutes) compared to children aged 2-4 years (21.1±18.6 minutes). Increased screen time seems to be linked to decreased sleep duration (p=0.000) and overall sleep quality (p=0.013) while is associated with the occurrence of psychosomatic disorders (p=0.002) in preschool children.
Conclusion: The excessive screen time for preschool children can negatively impact the duration and quality of their sleep, ultimately affecting their health and development. It is essential to promote initiatives aimed at informing and raising awareness among parents and early childhood education and care providers.
Audience Takeway
- The importance of investigating preschool children's screen exposure.
- The recommended screen use guidelines for children of different ages.
- Factors that influence children's screen time exposure.
- The effects of prolonged screen time on children's sleep and behavior.
