G352(P) Screen time and children: assessing staff knowledge and parental practices regarding screen time

Abstract

Aims Screens and digital media are now part of everyday life, with 53% of 3–4 year olds and 79% of 5–7 year olds online.1 There is increasing evidence that increased screen time can negatively impact children’s health and development. It has been linked with obesity and reduced physical activity. In preschool children it can displace carer interaction and has been associated with cognitive and socio-emotional delay.2,3OFCOM’s 2017 report stated that parents are more likely, than in 2016, to be worried about the amount of time their child is watching TV. 1 Despite this, no authoritative body in the UK has released guidelines for the use of screen time. The RCPCH currently recommends following AAP guidance.3 Methods We designed a survey to assess paediatric medical staff and parental knowledge of recommendations regarding screen time and if further information would be helpful. 16 doctors and 13 parents participated in the survey. Results 11/13 (84%) of parents imposed restrictions on their child’s screen time. Only 3/11 (27%) were imposing appropriate restrictions. 9/13 (69%) of parents stated they would like more information on screen time. 4/16 (25%) of doctors were aware of guidelines and 2/16 (12.5%) had resources they could give to families. 31% of staff knew the correct recommendations for duration of screen use for less than 18-month-old and 44% were correct for 2–5 years and >5 years, using the AAP guidance. 100% of staff would find more information useful. Conclusion A high proportion of parents were imposing restrictions on their children but only 27% were adhering to AAP guidance, highlighting that parents have concerns on the impact of digital media on their children and the need for easily accessible advice. Only 12.5% of staff had access to resources they could give to parents and less than half of staff surveyed knew the correct recommendations for screen use. Using this information, we designed a parental leaflet giving information on screen time and including clear guidance, using the AAP guidelines, of time limitations for different ages, parental modelling of their own screen time and the use of screen free areas and times of the day. References Ofcom. Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report. Ofcom research report. November 2017. Reid Chassiakos Y, Radesky J, Christakis D, et al. AAP council on communications and media. Children and adolescents and digital media. Pediatrics. 2016; 138(5):e20162593 Viner R, Stiglic N. Time on screens: understanding the health risks of new and old media. BACCHNews. June 2017.