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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.
Child: Care, Health and Development
|February 28, 2014
Summary
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.
