Impact of e-Discipline on Children's Screen Time

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Media Studies
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Excessive screen time in children is a growing global concern with significant societal impacts.
• Limited research exists on the specific factors contributing to children's excessive screen use.
• The practice of using screen devices as disciplinary tools, termed 'e-discipline,' is introduced as a potential contributing factor.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the practice of e-discipline and children's screen time.
• To examine potential gender-based differences in this association.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 3,141 children aged 7-11 years.
• Utilized bivariate logistic regression models.
• Calculated odds of exceeding the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2-hour daily screen time guideline.

Main Results:

• Children whose parents practiced e-discipline exhibited significantly higher screen time.
• No statistically significant gender differences were observed in exceeding screen time recommendations under e-discipline.

Conclusions:

• The use of e-discipline is associated with increased screen time in children aged 7-11.
• Parental strategies for managing screen time require further investigation to mitigate potential negative effects.