This study investigated relations between background TV exposure (BTV) and executive function (EF) when children were engaged in activities during exposure and how cumulative risk moderated these relations.
A nationally-representative survey with US caregivers (N = 1180) of 2–8-years-old children participated in a telephone survey.
Data included demographic information, the child’s EF, and time use across a 24-h period. Total BTV exposure within various contexts was calculated from diaries.
In the direct effects regressions, BTV during sleep predicted poorer EF for all children. Playing by self with BTV predicted poorer EF for preschoolers while playing with others with BTV predicted stronger EF for school-age children.
When cumulative risk was included, engaging in routines and chores with BTV predicted stronger EF for preschoolers while high-risk school-age children evidenced stronger EF when exposed to BTV while socializing with family or engaging in academic enrichment. Low-risk school-age children evidenced poorer EF in both contexts.
Reducing exposure can mitigate negative relations. This is an important goal as children are exposed to more of all forms of screen media during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results confirm the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that TV be turned off in the background when a child is in the room.
Published: 12 January 2022
source:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41390-021-01916-6
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-021-01916-6
Commenti