Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
Published on: March 1, 2019
An intervention to preschool children for reducing screen time: a randomized controlled trial
G Yilmaz1, N Demirli Caylan, C D Karacan
1Department of Social and Developmental Pediatrics, Dr. Sami Ulus Children and Maternity Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
A primary care intervention effectively reduced screen time in preschool children. Parents reported less screen time and aggressive behavior, but BMI z scores did not differ between groups.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Excessive screen time in children is linked to adverse health outcomes including obesity and behavioral issues.
- Primary care settings offer opportunities for early intervention to mitigate risks associated with screen time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a primary care-based intervention in reducing screen time among preschool-aged children.
- To assess the intervention's impact on children's Body Mass Index (BMI) and parental reports of aggressive behavior.
Main Methods:
- A two-group randomized controlled trial was conducted with children aged 2–6 years.
- Participants were randomized to an intervention group or a control group.
- Intervention involved strategies delivered during health maintenance visits, with follow-up home visits and questionnaires at 2, 6, and 9 months.
Main Results:
- Parents in the intervention group reported significantly less screen time compared to the control group.
- Parental reports of aggressive behavior were lower in the intervention group.
- No significant differences in BMI z-scores were observed between the intervention and control groups.
Conclusions:
- A preschool-based intervention delivered in primary care can effectively reduce children's television and video viewing time.
- Targeted interventions in early childhood settings show promise for modifying screen time habits.
Background:
Screen time, defined as time spent watching television, DVDs, or videos or playing computer or video games, has been related to serious health consequences in children, such as impaired language acquisition, violent behaviour, tobacco smoking and obesity. Our aim was to determine if a simple intervention aimed at preschool-aged children, applied at the health maintenance visits, in the primary care setting, would be effective in reducing screen time.
Methods:
We used a two group randomized controlled trial design. Two- to 6-year-old children and their parents were randomly assigned to receive an intervention to reduce their screen time, BMI and parental report of aggressive behaviour. At the end of the intervention we made home visits at 2, 6 and 9 months and the parents completed questionnaire.
Results:
Parents in the intervention group reported less screen time and less aggressive behaviour than those in the control group but there were no differences in BMI z scores.
Conclusions:
This study shows that a preschool-based intervention can lead to reductions in young children's television/video viewing.
