The relationship between screen exposure and behavior problems in children: a network analysis

Mounting evidence highlights the link between screen exposure and behavior problems. However, The structure of the network of problem behaviors in preschoolers exposed to screens has not yet been explored. This study aimed to construct a psychological network structure of behavior problems in preschoolers, and investigating the 'nodes' within the structure impacted by screen exposure by utilizing network analysis. We conducted a survey of 779 parents with children aged 4-7 using a general questionnaire, a screen exposure time questionnaire, and a difficulties and strengths questionnaire to examine the network structure of problem behaviors in children exposed to screens compared to those who are non-screen-exposed children. The core symptoms of problem behaviors in children of the screen exposure group were S25, S13 and S5; The core symptoms of children in the non-screen exposure group were mainly S15 and S13; The global intensity invariance test indicates that there is a statistically significant difference in the sum of all edge weights. Screen exposure is a negative influencing factor for children's problem behaviors. With different degrees of exposure, the core symptoms and overall connectivity of the problem behavior symptom network are also different. In the future, precise and effective interventions can be carried out targeting the core targets of the symptom network of children's problem behaviors to promote the physical and mental health development of children.