Preschoolers' digital media use during the COVID-19 pandemic: Media regimes and longitudinal impacts on physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development

This project focuses on the impacts of screen use on the development of preschoolers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, children have been spending even more hours than before with their electronic devices. It is known that a high amount of screen time can harm children's overall health, but few studies have examined other characteristics of the media diet. Aside from screen time, these characteristics include the content viewed (e.g., educational, violent), contexts (e.g., during meals, before bedtime), and features (e.g., calling Grandma on a video chat app) of use. The first objective of the project aims to describe the four dimensions of preschoolers' media diet and observe their impacts on cognitive, motor, and socio-emotional development. The second objective is to examine the role of certain risk factors in the links between media diet and development (e.g., parental stress). The final objective aims to analyze the mechanisms involved in the relationship between media consumption and developmental effects, such as reduced sleep or play time. To do this, we will analyze data collected during the pandemic via online questionnaires completed by parents and tests conducted with children during home visits. The expected results will help identify the most positive or risky uses, their consequences on children's development, and families more vulnerable to risks. This knowledge could enhance intervention and prevention programs in family and community settings.