DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE

DEC 2024 – FEB 2025

“A Descriptive Cross sectional study on Effect of
screen time among children”

HOD
DR.S RAJINI
Professor
Department of Community Medicine
UNDER GUIDANCE OF
DR.THIRUSELVAKUMAR
Assistant Professor
INTERNS
DR.Dharshana
DR.Shanmuga harini
DR.Karthika
DR.Rahul
Maheshwar
 INDEX
SL NO: CHAPTERS PAGE NO

1. INTRODUCTION 9

2. AIM AND OBJECTIVES 10

3. METHODS 11

4. QUESTIONAIRES 12

5. RESULTS 14

5. DISCUSSION 25

6. 30
REFERENCE
INTRODUCTION
AIM AND OBJECTIVES
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
REFERENCES
The Effects of Screen Time on Children : Health,
Education, and Sleep Disturbance

INTRODUCTION
In today’s digital age, the use of screens has become an integral part of
children’s lives. With the increased accessibility of smartphones, tablets,
computers and televisions, children are spending more time in front of
screens than ever before. While screen time can offer educational benefits
and entertainment, there are growing concerns about its impact on
children’s health, education, and sleep patterns. Research indicates that
excessive screen time can have significant consequences on children’s
development, raising the need for careful monitoring and moderation.
Nowadays, young people have been spending more and more of their time
immersed in these gadgets and too much screen time can have a
deleterious impact on the development of young minds and bodies.
While the impact of unfettered access is negative, there are circumstances
where screen time can help a child to learn certain skills. And a little time
on a device can actually help improve a child’s mental health.

AIM; To understand how digital screen time affect children’s health, sleep
and education

METHODS STUDY AREA: The present study was conducted among the
Parents working in Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of medical sciences
whose children are between 2 - 12 years of age.

STUDY DESIGN: This study was a cross sectional study using a validated
structure and questionnaires regarding EFFECT OF SCREEN TIME
AMONG CHILDREN.
STUDY POPULATION: The study subjects were people aged between 2-
12 years, whose parents are working in Sri Lakshmi Narayana institute of
medical hospital

INCLUSION CRITERIA: Children’s of age between 2 - 12 years of age

EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Age above 13 year, are not included in this

study.

STUDY PERIOD: - The study was conducted between November 024 –

February 2025. - The data was collected over a period of three months.

SAMPLE SIZE: The participants,who are working as non teaching staffs

and nurse in Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of medical scienceAround 100
Parents were selected for the study of EFFECT OF SCREEN TIME A,ONG
CHILDREN.

SAMPLE TECHNIQUE: - Non teachings staffs and nurse were selected by

non-probability technique. - Data collection was carried out online through
the Google form by using the Gmail.

STUDY TOOLS:
DATA COLLECTION: - Data collection was carried out by Google form
using Gmail in the validated Structure questionnaires.

The Participants, who are working as non who teaching staffs and nurse
are selected from Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of medical sciences. –
Parents were informed about the survey about EFFECT OF SCREEN
TIME AMONG CHILDREN - Parents who were interested in giving their
opinion can participate in this survey.

DATA ANALYSIS: The data obtained from Gmail in the questionnaires for
quantitative study were entered in Microsoft Excel in SPSS software and
descriptive analysis were done by using Google form.
QUESTIONAIRES:
1)What is your child’s age group?
a)0-2 years
b)3-5 years
c)6-10years
d)>10 years

2)How many hours per day does your child spend on screen?
a)Less than 1 hour
b)1-2 hours
c)3-4 hours
d)5+ hours

3)What type of content does your child mostly engaged with?

a)Educational apps/videos
b)Gaming
c)Social media
d)Movies/ TV shows
e)None

4)What device does your child use the most?

a)Smartphones
b)iPads /tablet
c)Computer/ laptop
d)TV
c)None

5)Have you noticed any behavioural changes in your child due to screen
time?
a)Yes
b)No
c)Maybe
d)Unsure

6)If yes,what changes have you noticed?

a)Increased aggression
b)Reduced attention span
c)Sleep disturbances
d)Improved learning skills
e)Social withdrawal

7)Do you think your child’s screen time affects their sleep?
a)Yes
b)Maybe
c)No

8)Do you set limits on your child’s screen time

a)No
b)Yes
c)Sometimes

9)If yes, what strategy do you follow?

a)Setting daily limits
b)Encouraging outdoor activities
c)Using parental control
d)No restrictions
e)Engaging with family members

10)Do you monitor your child’s screen time?

a)Yes, strictly
b)Yes, but with some flexibility
c)No,I let them decide

11)Does your child use screen for school related activities?

a)Yes
b)No

12)Does your child prefer screen activities over outdoor play?

a)Yes
b)No

13?Does your child eat meals while watching a screen?

a)Always
b)Sometimes
c)Rarely
d)Never

14)Have you noticed any physical health issues related to screen time?
a)Eye strain
b)Headache
c)Poor posture
d)Weight loss/gain
e)No health issues

15)Do you believe screen time negatively impacts child development?

a)Yes
b)No
c)Not sure

16)At what time does your child use the screen most?
a)Morning
b)Afternoon
c)Evening
d)Before bed

17)Does your child shows sign of digital addiction (eg, frustration when
screens are taken away)
a)Yes
b)No
c)Maybe

18)Do you think your child’s screen time affect their mental health?
a)Yes
b)No
c)Maybe

19)Does your child react ,when screen time is reduced or restricted?

a)Becomes irritated/ angry
b)Accepts it without issues
c)Finds other activities to do
d)Tries to negotiate for more time

20)Does your child understand the importance of limiting the screen time?
a)Yes
b)No
c)Sometimes
RESULT:
DISCUSSION:

Health Impacts of Excessive Screen Time

Physical Health effect ;One of the most discussed concerns regarding

screen time is its effect on children’s health. Prolonged exposure to
screens has been linked to several physical health issues.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highlights that excessive

screen time can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, increased risks of
obesity, poor posture.

Obesity Research has consistently shown a strong association between

screen time and obesity, especially among children and adolescents.

Excessive time spent in front of screens often leads to poor dietary choices,
increased snacking, and a decreased likelihood of engaging in physical
activities.

Vision problems; Long periods of staring at screens can cause eye strain,
dryness, and inflammation. In addition, blue light released by screens,
particularly at night, might alter sleep patterns and cause long-term visual
difficulties.

Posture and musculoskeletal issues; Maintaining proper posture while

using screens is often overlooked, leading to musculoskeletal problems
such as neck pain, back pain, and repetitive strain injuries. Poor
ergonomics and prolonged periods of sitting contribute to these issues.

MENTAL HEALTH EFFECTS

Reduced social interaction and excessive screen time often leads to a

decline in face-to-face social interaction. Spending more time on screens
means less time spent with friends and family, which can result in feelings
of loneliness, isolation, and a lack of connectedness.

Impact on Education and Cognitive Development;

Excessive screen time can negatively impact the brain’s development,

especially in younger children. The American Psychological Association
(APA) warns that overuse of screens can affect the development of
attention span and cognitive abilities, potentially impairing a child’s ability to
focus and learn in the long term.

While screens can be educational tools, their overuse may hinder cognitive
development in children. Educational apps and games can help children
learn new concepts, but when children spend more time on non-
educational screen activities, such as social media or entertainment, it can
detract from meaningful learning experiences. The multitasking nature of
digital devices can also make it harder for children to focus on tasks and
complete homework efficiently.

Language Development

The early years of childhood are crucial for acquiring language skills and
children develop various aspects of language, including vocabulary and
phonology. These skills are acquired through interactions with adults.
However, there is a growing concern that screen time diminishes the
quantity and quality of interactions between children and their parents,
resulting in fewer chances for the child to practice and develop their
language abilities.

Increasing the amount of screen time at an early age has negative effects
on language development . However, beginning screen time at a later age
has some potential benefits . The characteristics of videos, their content,
and co-viewing also play a role in influencing language development.
Studies have indicated that compared to children who view screens for ≤1
hour per day, those who engage in two or more hours per day, or three or
more hours per day, are more likely to experience behavioral problems and
have poorer vocabulary acquisition .These findings suggest the importance
of monitoring and regulating screen time for young children to mitigate
potential adverse effects on their development and behavior .

In addition to providing guidance, it is crucial to offer families alternative

options to media use that promote positive development, such as parent-
child play activities .These alternatives should be made available in
pediatric practices and early childhood centers to support families in
creating enriching and interactive experiences with their children

What are the screen time recommendations for children and teens?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC), they are:

● Younger than 18 months: No screen time, except for video chatting

with family and friends

● 18 to 24 months: Only high-quality educational media with parental

engagement

● Ages 2 to 5 years: No more than one hour a day

● Age 5 years and older: No more than two hours a day, while
engaging in conversation with a parent or family member about what is
being viewed

● Pre-teens and teenagers: Varied effects on mental health, academic

achievement, and social skills; importance of balancing screen time with
physical activity and healthy habits.

● play a outdoor game, ride a bike, dance to some music, or engage

with your family
Sleep disturbance and screen time;

One of the most immediate and noticeable effect of excessive screen time
is sleep disturbance. Research has shown that screen time before bed can
interfere with the natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to difficulties in falling
asleep and maintaining quality sleep. Sleep deprivation in children is linked
to decreased attention, poor academic performance, and behavioral
problems.

STRATEGY FOR MANAGING SCREEN TIME

To maintain a healthy balance and minimize the harmful effects of

excessive screen time, implementing effective strategies is essential.

Setting limits and boundaries: Setting daily time limits, designating

screen-free zones or engage with family members and avoiding screens
before bedtime can help regulate usage and reduce its negative impact.

Encouraging physical activity: Promoting physical activity not only

reduces screen time but also contributes to overall well-being. Encouraging
regular exercise, outdoor play, and participation in team sports can help
mitigate the sedentary life style.

Promoting alternative hobbies: Encouraging children, to explore

alternative hobbies can divert their attention from screens. Engaging in
activities like reading, painting, playing a musical instrument etc.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while screen time offers both educational and entertainment

value, excessive use of screens can have a detrimental impact on
children’s health, education, and sleep patterns. Striking a balance
between screen time and other developmental activities is essential to
ensure that children grow and learn in a healthy, well-rounded environment.
Parents and educators must play an active role in monitoring and
regulating screen time to help children reach their full potential without
compromising their physical and mental well-being.

Excessive screen media usage in children can have both positive and
negative impacts on their development. Regarding cognitive development,
screens have the potential to enhance education and learning. However,
studies have shown that excessive screen time and media multitasking can
negatively affect their development, and academic outcomes.

Early screen exposure has been associated with lower cognitive abilities
and academic performance in later years.

Excessive screen usage can also lead to problems in social-emotional

development, including obesity, sleep disturbances, depression, and
anxiety. It can impair emotional comprehension, promote aggressive
behavior, and hinder social and emotional competence.

Parents play a crucial role in managing and reducing screen time by raising
awareness, setting boundaries, and providing behavioral controls. Parental
limitations and the absence of screens in bedrooms have been found to
significantly reduce screen usage. Parents should also set an example by
managing their own screen time. Overall, it is important for caregivers,
educators, and healthcare professionals to understand the potential risks of
excessive screen usage and implement strategies to promote healthy
development in children, including alternative activities that foster health,
sleep and education of children.
References:
1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Media and Children.
Pediatrics, 138(5), e20162591.

2. American Psychological Association. (2017). The Impact of Technology

on Children’s Cognitive Development. Psychology Today.

3. National Institutes of Health. (2018). The Effect of Screen Time on

Children’s Brain Development. NIH Report.

4. Sleep Foundation. (2020). How Screen Time Affects Sleep in Children.

Sleep Foundation.

5.Impact of screen time on physical and mental health (2024)

6.Efeect of screen time on children: The latest research parent should

know(August 2024)