Early screen media multitasking associated with executive function problems in preschool-age children

Screen media multitasking (SMM), or using ≥2 screens simultaneously, is associated with child behavioral problems, but its effects on executive function (EF) in younger children remain unclear. This study investigated the association between SMM exposure before age 3 and EF problems in children aged 3 and 4.

Healthy children were followed from 6 months to 4 years, collecting data on SMM exposure (minutes for each visit, prolonged exposure in years, and time points from 6 months to 3 years), mother-child interaction, positive parenting, and cognitive development. EF was assessed at ages 3 and 4. Direct and indirect associations were analyzed using path modeling.

Among 280 participants (46.8% boys), increased SMM duration at ages 1-3 was associated with prolonged and repeated SMM exposure from 6 months to 3 years, which was correlated with EF problems and lower cognition at age 3. Positive parenting and strong mother-child interaction were associated with lower EF problems. At age 4, EF problems were associated with male sex, earlier EF problems, and lower cognition.

Greater, prolonged, and repeated SMM exposure before age 3 was associated with EF problems in preschoolers. Reducing SMM and promoting positive parenting may help prevent early EF impairments.

Longer durations of screen media multitasking (SMM) in minutes at ages 1, 2, and 3 were directly associated with prolonged exposure (measured in years) and repeated exposure at multiple time points from 6 months to 3 years of age. This pattern of SMM exposure was associated with higher difficulties in executive function (EF) and lower cognitive ability in preschoolers. Reducing SMM exposure and fostering strong mother-child interactions, along with positive parenting practices, may help prevent EF impairments in early childhood.