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Majority of children exposed to mobile media by age 2 years

WASHINGTON — A significant portion of children were found to have some exposure to mobile media, such as tablets and smartphones, before they were aged 2 years, according to survey data presented at the 2015 AAP National Conference and Exhibition.

Researcher Hilda Kabali, MD, of the Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, said the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the age of initial exposure and use of mobile media among children.

Kabali and colleagues administered a survey to 370 parents of children aged 6 months to 4 years during visits to a single pediatric clinic. The “Zero to Eight” Common Sense Media national survey, which focused on media use in children, was used as a basis for the 20-question survey. Questions included what types of media devices were used in the children’s households, children’s age at first exposure, how devices were used and whether mobile media use was ever discussed with a pediatrician.

Study findings revealed that 36% of children aged younger than 1 year had some exposure to mobile media, while another 33% of children aged younger than 2 years used mobile-screened technology. The results also showed that by age 4 years, 100% of children had used a mobile-screened device.

The researchers noted that 73% of parents responded that they allowed their children access to a mobile device while the parents performed household chores. Other common reasons for giving children access to mobile media included: to calm the child (65%), to run errands (60%) and to put the child to sleep (29%).

According to Kabali, 14% of children aged younger than 1 year were reported to use a mobile device for at least 1 hour daily. Meanwhile, only 30% of parents reported discussing media usage with a pediatrician.

“A better understanding of the use of mobile media in young children and how it varies by population groups is critical to help develop educational strategies for both parents and health providers,” Kabali wrote.– by David Costill

Reference:
Kabali H. Abstract 28218. Presented at: AAP National Conference and Exhibition; Oct. 24-27, 2015; Washington D.C.

Disclosure: Infectious Diseases in Children was unable to confirm financial disclosures at the time of publication.