Is This a Return to Normal? Longitudinal Trajectories of Child Screen and Problematic Media Use Across the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States.

ABSTRACT: This study uses both quantitative and qualitative data to examine how screen media use and problematic media use changed over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic (pre-onset, 3-months and 15-months post-onset). We examined changes in screen media use (time spent) and problematic media use (seemingly addicted behavior) in children ages 1.17-11.42 years across three time points (N=316, 51.7% girls, 83.9% White; primarily middle-to-high income). Qualitative findings provided insight into parent perceptions of the long-lasting effects of COVID-19 media behaviors, some parents experiencing burnout over fighting with their children about screens, and families finding a balance with screens. Quantitatively, both screen and problematic media use increased from 2019 to 2020 (small-medium effe

SUBMITTER: Eales L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12221234 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature