CORRELATION BETWEEN SCREEN TIME AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS AMONG SCHOOL-GOING CHILDREN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: The widespread use of smartphones, tablets, televisions, and other digital devices has considerably increased screen exposure among children in recent years. Although digital learning and entertainment provide several benefits, excessive screen time has been associated with adverse behavioral and emotional outcomes in children. Increasing behavioral concerns among school-going children have highlighted the need to evaluate the relationship between screen exposure and behavioral health. Aim: To assess the correlation between screen time and behavioral problems among school-going children. Materials and Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 children aged 6–15 years. Information regarding demographic characteristics, duration of daily screen exposure, and device usage patterns was collected using a structured questionnaire. Behavioral assessment was performed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 26.0. Chi-square test, Pearson correlation analysis, and logistic regression were applied. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the study participants, 58.4% reported screen exposure exceeding 2 hours/day. Behavioral difficulties were observed more frequently among children with prolonged screen exposure. Hyperactivity, emotional symptoms, peer-related problems, and conduct disturbances demonstrated a significant positive association with increasing screen exposure duration (p<0.001). Children exposed to screens for more than 4 hours/day showed markedly higher abnormal SDQ scores compared to children with lower exposure. Conclusion: Excessive screen time is significantly associated with behavioral problems among school-going children. Early parental supervision, controlled recreational screen use, and promotion of outdoor activities may help reduce negative behavioral outcomes associated with prolonged digital exposure.