[Maternal mobile phone screen time during pregnancy and children's internalizing and externalizing behavioral...

Area of Science:

• Child psychology
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Public health

Context:

• Child and adolescent behavioral problems are a growing global public health concern.
• Numerous factors contribute to these issues, including genetics, psychosocial, and environmental influences.
• Maternal screen exposure during pregnancy is an emerging area of concern with potential intervention implications.

Purpose:

• To systematically evaluate the association between maternal mobile phone screen time during pregnancy and children's internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems.
• To explore potential biological mechanisms underlying this association.
• To identify relevant intervention measures for improving fetal neurodevelopment and reducing behavioral problems.

Summary:

• This study systematically reviewed the link between maternal mobile phone screen time during pregnancy and behavioral problems in offspring.
• Potential biological pathways and intervention strategies were examined to foster a healthy intrauterine environment.
• Findings highlight the significance of maternal screen time as a modifiable factor influencing child behavior.

Impact:

• Provides evidence on the impact of maternal screen time on child behavioral outcomes.
• Informs public health strategies aimed at preventing childhood behavioral problems.
• Offers insights for interventions targeting prenatal care and maternal health education.