Screen usage and family functioning as predictors of phonological development in children: a secondary analysis

This study aimed to explore predictors of phonological development in preschool children related to family functioning and digital device usage.

This cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational study reports a secondary analysis of data from a larger study including 93 parent-child dyads. Children (mean age = 57.01 ± 9.95 months) were predominantly girls and native speakers of European Portuguese.Phonological development and family functioning were assessed using standardised instruments and parents reported their own and their child's digital device use.

Multiple regression analyses showed that higher family enmeshment (β = -0.309), greater parental smartphone use outside working hours (β = -0.286), and child tablet use at night (β = -0.234) were associated with lower phonetic-phonological test standardised scores. Allowing tablet use at any time of the day, particularly on weekends, was positively associated with PCC (β = 0.222).

These findings highlight the importance of considering family functioning and digital device usage when assessing early phonological outcomes and when designing preventive and family-based interventions.