Early screen media multitasking associated with executive function problems in preschool-age children

Abstract

Background: Screen media multitasking (SMM), or using ≥2 screens simultaneously, is associated with child behavioral problems, but its effects on executive function (EF) in younger children remain unclear. This study investigated the association between SMM exposure before age 3 and EF problems in children aged 3 and 4.

Methods: Healthy children were followed from 6 months to 4 years, collecting data on SMM exposure (minutes for each visit, prolonged exposure in years, and time points from 6 months to 3 years), mother-child interaction, positive parenting, and cognitive development. EF was assessed at ages 3 and 4. Direct and indirect associations were analyzed using path modeling.

Results: Among 280 participants (46.8% boys), increased SMM duration at ages 1-3 was associated with prolonged and repeated SMM exposure from 6 months to 3 years, which was correlated with EF problems and lower cognition at age 3. Positive parenting and strong mother-child interaction were associated with lower EF problems. At age 4, EF problems were associated with male sex, earlier EF problems, and lower cognition.

Conclusions: Greater, prolonged, and repeated SMM exposure before age 3 was associated with EF problems in preschoolers. Reducing SMM and promoting positive parenting may help prevent early EF impairments.

Impact: Longer durations of screen media multitasking (SMM) in minutes at ages 1, 2, and 3 were directly associated with prolonged exposure (measured in years) and repeated exposure at multiple time points from 6 months to 3 years of age. This pattern of SMM exposure was associated with higher difficulties in executive function (EF) and lower cognitive ability in preschoolers. Reducing SMM exposure and fostering strong mother-child interactions, along with positive parenting practices, may help prevent EF impairments in early childhood.