Excessive screen time among young Malaysian children: associated factors and influences on behaviour and development

To determine the risk for behaviour and developmental problems and factors associated with excessive usage of screen time in children at 18 months of age.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of children aged 18 months in four primary health clinics. Parents responded to questionnaires, including the Developmental Checklist and Baby Paediatric Symptom Checklist (BPSC), to screen risk for behaviour problems. Screen time of more than 1 hour is defined as excessive.

A total of 254 study participants were included. Most participants were male (52.8%), the eldest child (39.8%) and of Malay ethnicity (91.3%). More than half (66.1%) had screen time of less than 1 hour. Children cared for in a mixed care environment were 3.10 times more likely to experience excessive screen time (p=0.048). No significant association was found between screen time and developmental risk. A higher proportion of participants who scored more than three on the BPSC had more than 1 hour of screen time, although this was not significant (p=0.475).

We found no significant association between screen time and the risk of developmental and behavioural problems. However, one-third of the study participants were engaged in excessive screen time. Children in mixed care environments were more likely to have excessive screen time, highlighting the need for targeted guidance for caregivers in these settings.