Screen Time and Behavioral Correlates Among Children in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study

The rapid digitization of childhood has intensified concerns over excessive screen exposure and its behavioral consequences. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where digital access begins early and is near-universal, evidence on how screen use relates to behavioral symptoms remains limited. This study explored associations between daily screen time, behavioral concerns, and parental mediation among children aged 1-15 years in the UAE.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and August 2025 across two healthcare centers and through community referral networks. A total of 405 parents of children aged 1-15 years completed a culturally adapted bilingual online questionnaire. Variables included average screen hours, device use locations, behavioral symptoms, and parental regulation strategies. Behavioral symptoms were measured using an eight-item checklist. Negative binomial regression was used to assess predictors of symptom burden.

Children averaged 4.05 screen hours/day (SD = 2.34), with usage increasing significantly with age. Adolescents aged 11-15 years averaged 5.05 hours/day. Frequently reported behavioral symptoms were reduced attention (197, 48.6%), decreased physical activity (169, 41.7%), and irritability/tantrums (166, 41.0%). Each additional hour of screen time was associated with a 3% increase in behavioral symptom rate (IRR = 1.031, 95% CI: 1.001-1.062, p = 0.041). Bedroom screen use independently predicted a 30% higher symptom rate (IRR = 1.300, 95% CI: 1.130-1.495, p < 0.001). Although parents employed multiple mediation strategies, the number of strategies used did not independently reduce screen time or behavioral burden after adjustment.

Screen time duration and context, particularly bedroom access, were significant independent predictors of behavioral symptoms among children in the UAE. Despite high parental awareness, mediation strategies showed limited independent efficacy. Public health guidance should move beyond time-based recommendations and emphasize screen-free environments and consistent digital parenting.