Original Article
Effects of screen exposure on language skills in children
Xu Qi, Wang Jianhong, Zhou Bo, Jin Chunhua, Zhang Lili, Li Na, Wang Lei, Li Xiaomeng, Wang Xi, Wang Lin
Published 2023-04-02
Cite as Chin J Pediatr, 2023, 61(4): 328-332. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112140-20221219-01056
Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the association between screen exposure and language skills in children aged 2-5 years.
MethodsThere were 299 children aged 2-5 years, recruited by convenience sampling from those who visited the Center of Children′s Healthcare, Children′s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics for routine physical examination from November 2020 to November 2021. Their development status were evaluated by the children neuropsychological and behavioral scale (revision 2016). A self-designed questionnaire for parents was conducted to collect demographic and socioeconomic information and screen exposure characteristics (time and quality). One-way ANOVA and independent sample t test were applied to compare the differences in language development quotient of children with different screen exposure time and quality. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between screen exposure time and quality with language developmental quotient. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk of language underdevelopment in children with different screen exposure time and quality.
ResultsAmong 299 children, 184 (61.5%) were boys and 115 (38.5%) were girls, with the age of (3.9±1.1) years. The number of children with daily screen time <60, 60-120 and>120 min was 163 children (54.5%), 86 children (28.8%) and 50 children (16.7%), respectively, with the language development quotients of 94±13, 90±13, 84±14, respectively, demonstrating a statistically significant difference (F=8.92, P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that screen exposure time of 60-120 and >120 min per day were both risk factors for children′s language developmental quotients (OR=2.28, 95%CI 1.00-5.17, P=0.043; OR=3.96, 95%CI 1.86-9.17, P<0.001), and co-viewing and exposure to educational programs were both protective factors for children′s language developmental quotients (OR=0.48, 95%CI 0.25-0.91, P=0.024, OR=0.36, 95%CI 0.19-0.70, P=0.003).
ConclusionsExcessive exposure screen time and inappropriate screen exposure habits are associated with children′s poorer language development. Screen exposure time should be limited and screen use should be rational to promote children′s language skills.
Key words:
Child; Screen exposure; Developmental quotient; Language
Contributor Information
Xu Qi
Center of Children′s Healthcare, Children′s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, China
Wang Jianhong
Center of Children′s Healthcare, Children′s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, China
Zhou Bo
Center of Children′s Healthcare, Children′s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, China
Jin Chunhua
Center of Children′s Healthcare, Children′s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, China
Zhang Lili
Center of Children′s Healthcare, Children′s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, China
Li Na
Center of Children′s Healthcare, Children′s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, China
Wang Lei
Center of Children′s Healthcare, Children′s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, China
Li Xiaomeng
Center of Children′s Healthcare, Children′s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, China
Wang Xi
Center of Children′s Healthcare, Children′s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, China
Wang Lin
Center of Children′s Healthcare, Children′s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, China
