Longitudinal Association of Changes in Parental Correlates With Screen Time in Chinese Preschoolers

Background: This study aimed to explore the relationship between the changes in parent-related factors and preschoolers exceeding screen time (ST) recommendations. Methods: A longitudinal analysis using 2-year follow-up data from 4 kindergartens (n = 409) was conducted in Zhejiang, China, from 2019 to 2021. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the potential parental modifiable predictors. Results: The significant associations of baseline ST, change in screen accessibility, and the interaction of preschooler ST with maternal ST change with preschooler follow-up ST were observed. For preschool-aged children with baseline ST <= 1 hour per day, the follow-up of preschoolers with ST > 1 hour per day increased significantly when parental clarity of their ST rules decreased or remained low. For preschool children with baseline ST > 1 hour per day, follow-up ST increased significantly when their father kept ST >2 hours per day, when the screen accessibility became or remained easy, or when parental awareness of the ST decreased. Conclusions: Changes in parental correlates played an important role in preschooler ST based on 2-year longitudinal data. Early interventions should focus on improving the clarity of parental rules and perceptions, as well as on reducing parental ST and accessibility of home screens.