Context of Screen Use in Children Should Be Considered in Recommendations
By Lori Solomon HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, Aug. 8, 2024 -- Contexts of screen use beyond screen time limits should be considered in making recommendations for young children, according to a review published online Aug. 5 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Sumudu Mallawaarachchi, Ph.D., from the School of Education at the University of Wollongong in Australia, and colleagues conducted a systematic literature review to identify studies that examined associations between a contextual factor of screen use among children aged 0 to 5.99 years and cognitive or psychosocial development.
Based on 100 included studies (176,742 participants), the researchers found that program viewing and background television were negatively associated with cognitive outcomes. Program viewing, age-inappropriate content, and caregiver screen use during routines were negatively associated with psychosocial outcomes. However, co-use with caregivers was positively associated with cognitive outcomes.
"Findings show small to moderate effect sizes that highlight the need to consider screen use contexts when making recommendations for families, clinicians, and educators beyond screen time limits, including encouraging intentional and productive screen use, age-appropriate content, and co-use with caregivers," the authors write.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted August 2024
Read this next
Cashew Identified as Increasingly Relevant Allergen Triggering Anaphylaxis in Children
WEDNESDAY, July 9, 2025 -- Cashew is an increasingly relevant allergen leading to anaphylaxis in children, according to a study published online June 13 in Allergy. Veronika...
2017 to 2024 Saw More Seniors With Prolonged ED Length of Stay
WEDNESDAY, July 9, 2025 -- The proportion of older adults with prolonged emergency department length of stay (LOS) and boarding times increased from 2017 to 2024, according to a...
Hearing Aids, Cochlear Implants Aid Social Outcomes for Seniors
WEDNESDAY, July 9, 2025 -- Hearing rehabilitation with hearing aids or cochlear implants is associated with improved social outcomes for older adults with hearing loss, according...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.