Study of impact of screen exposure time on behavioural and growth parameters in urban Indian children

Abstract

Background: The American academy of paediatrics (AAP) recommends 2 hours of screen time (ST) daily for children and teenagers, with no exposure for those under 2 years old. However, research shows children often exceed these limits, leading to behavioural issues, obesity, and unhealthy eating habits. This study aimed to evaluate STs impact on behaviour, growth, and eating habits in children aged 1.5 to 8 years. Methods: This cross sectional, observational study, conducted in the paediatric department, enrolled 401 children aged 1.5 to 8 years. Demographic details, weight, height, and BMI of the children were recorded. Parents provided information of their child's ST, screens at home, their own ST, and child’s eating habits. Behavioural parameters were evaluated using the child behaviour checklist (CBCL). Internalizing and Externalizing behaviours were also recorded in which internalizing factors comprised of anxious and somatic behaviours, while externalizing factors encompassed aggression and rule-breaking behaviours. Data analysis was performed using SPSS V.23. Results: In our study, 401 children were enrolled, comprising 233 females (58.10%) and 168 males (41.90%). Out of 401, 201 (50.12%) exceeded 2 hours of ST, while 159 (39.65%) had 1 to 2 hours, and only 41 (10.22%) had less than 1 hour. There was a strong significant association between children's ST and their internalizing (p=0.00034), externalizing (p=0.009), withdrawn (p=0.001), rule breaking (p=0.03) and aggressive (p<0.01) behaviour. Additionally, children weight had a positive correlation between ST and BMI (p=0.015). Conclusions: Excessive ST use correlates well with higher BMIs, behavioural issues like withdrawal, somatic complaints, rule-breaking, aggression. Urgent interventions are needed to reduce ST and promote healthier lifestyles among children, involving parents, caregivers, and policymakers.Top of Form