Reading and Screen Time: Associations with Behavioral and Sleep Difficulties in Children and Adolescents

This study examined reading behavior and screen time in children and adolescents and their associations with sleep behavior and behavioral difficulties.

This study was conducted as part of the LIFE Child study (Germany). Participants were 579 6- to 10.5-year-old children (younger age group) and 972 10.5- to 18-year-old children and adolescents (older age group). Information on reading (duration of reading, on paper or electronically), screen time, sleep difficulties, and behavioral difficulties was assessed via parental (younger sample) or self-reported (older sample) questionnaires. Associations of reading behavior and screen time with child age, sex, maternal education, behavioral difficulties, and sleep difficulties were assessed using linear regression analyses.

Girls reported longer reading times than boys, whereas boys reported longer daily screen time. In the younger age group, reading time increased with age. Daily screen time increased with age in both age groups. Higher screen time was significantly associated with more sleep difficulties in both age groups and with more behavioral difficulties in the older age group. In the younger age group, reading time was not associated with screen time, sleep difficulties, or behavioral difficulties. In the older age group, however, longer reading times were significantly associated with longer screen time, more behavioral difficulties, and more problematic sleep.

These results indicate that both the use of electronic media and reading behavior are relevant for understanding child health and development. The findings suggest that guidance for families of older children should address not only screen use but also balance and context of reading activities.