Excessive Screen Media Use Among Children and Adolescents: Prevalence and Associated Impacts – A Cross-Sectional Study
Keywords:
WHO recommendations, APA guidelines, digital addiction, psychiatric outpatient, PMUM-SF, problematic media use, adolescents, children, Screen timeAbstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction
With the increasing accessibility of digital devices, screen media use among children and adolescents has surged, raising concerns about its impact on mental, physical, and behavioral health. Despite global guidelines recommending limited screen time, excessive use is prevalent, particularly in developing countries. This study aims to assess the pattern, prevalence, and problematic use of screen media among paediatric outpatients.
Materials & Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 children and adolescents attending a tertiary hospital in Kanchipuram from January to December 2024. Participants were selected by convenience sampling, excluding those with neurodevelopmental or behavioral disorders. Screen use was assessed using the validated PMUM-SF tool. Data on screen time and sociodemographic variables were collected via structured forms. Analysis was done using SPSS v27.0, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results
Out of 200 participants, the prevalence was 67.9%, the mean age was 13.16 ± 4.06 years, with boys comprising 63%. Television (51%) and mobile phones (46%) were the most used devices. The average daily screen time was 1.98 ± 0.67 hours, and 74% exceeded APA and WHO screen time recommendations. Significant associations with excessive screen use were found for mother's education and occupation, family type, residence, and age at first exposure (p < 0.05). Additionally, 19% of participants met the criteria for problematic screen media use based on the PMUM-SF scale.
Conclusion
This study reveals a high prevalence (67.9%) of excessive screen media use among children and adolescents, with 19% meeting criteria for problematic use. Key associated factors include maternal education and occupation, residence, family structure, and early exposure to screens. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and parental awareness to reduce the negative impacts of excessive screen time on child health and development
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References
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