Longitudinal Association Between Media Use and Development in Preschool: Moderation by Maternal Education

This study examined associations between children's use of electronic media and maternal education at age 3, and developmental outcomes and changes (cognitive, language, motor, socio-emotional) one year later.

Included were 109 participants of the LIFE Child cohort (Germany). Development was assessed at two time points (mean age = 3.3 years at t1, 4.3 at t2) using the standardised ET 6-6-R test. Electronic media use (modern media and TV) and maternal education were measured at t1 through parental questionnaires. Linear regression analyses were conducted, adjusting for age, sex and developmental scores at t1.

High TV use (> 1 h/day) at t1 and lower maternal education were significantly associated with poorer cognitive skills at t2. Additionally, high TV use predicted poorer language skills, but this effect appeared only in children whose mothers had low or medium education; no such association was observed when maternal education was high. The use of modern media at t1 showed no significant association with developmental outcomes at t2.

Early TV exposure may negatively affect cognitive and language development. Children from families with lower educational backgrounds appear particularly vulnerable, highlighting the need for targeted media education and guidance.