Caregiver Awareness, Adherence, and Motivations Related to the AAP Screen Time Recommendations for Infants: A Mixed-Methods Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND With the increasing integration of technology into society, it is advisable that researchers explore the effects of repeated digital media exposure on our most vulnerable population—infants. Excessive screen time during early childhood has been linked to delays in language, literacy, and self-regulation. OBJECTIVE This study explored awareness of and adherence to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations related to avoiding screen time for children under the age of two, as well as the motivational factors associated with screen time exposure. METHODS A mixed-methods survey design was used to gather responses from 178 mothers of children under the age of two. Measures included child screen time use and duration, maternal awareness of screen-time use recommendations, and motivations related to screen-time exposure. A variety of statistical procedures were employed to explore associations between caregiver awareness and adherence to AAP guidelines for screen time exposure, motivations related to screen time for children, and child screen time exposure. RESULTS Results indicated that 62.2% of mothers were aware of the AAP screen time recommendations, but only 46% could cite it accurately, while most learned of it online or from a medical professional. Mothers who were aware of the guideline allowed significantly less screen time for infants than those who were unaware (p = .03). Also, parents who adhered to the AAP guidelines reported significantly less infant screen time per day than those who did not adhere (p <. 001). Among mothers who report not adhering to the guidelines, the greatest motivation for allowing screen time was perceived educational benefits. Less educated mothers rated a child’s relaxation as a motivational factor in allowing screen time significantly higher than more highly educated mothers (p = .048). Regression analysis indicated that no parent motivational factors predicted daily infant screen time. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate two key approaches to improve adherence to screen time recommendations. First, awareness of the AAP recommendations needs to be increased, which tends to improve adherence; and second, the myth that screen time can be educational for infants needs to be dispelled. CLINICALTRIAL None.