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KMID : 0367320230340030175
Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
2023 Volume.34 No. 3 p.175 ~ p.180
Effects of Screen Time on Problematic Behavior in Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea
Kim Iyeon

Lee Sang-Ha
Yang Su-Jin
Sung Yoon-Sik
Kim Hyo-Jin
Shin Yun-Mi
Abstract
Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a decrease in face-to-face classes worldwide, affecting the mental health of children and their parents. The global pandemic has increased children¡¯s overall use of electronic media. This study analyzed the effect of children¡¯s screen time on problematic behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A total of 186 parents from Suwon, South Korea, were recruited to participate in an online survey. The mean age of the children was 10.14 years old, and 44.1% were females. The questionnaire included questions on children¡¯s screen time, problematic behaviors, and parental stress. Children¡¯s behavioral problems were evaluated using the Behavior Problem Index, whereas the Parental Stress Scale was used to estimate parental stress.

Results: The mean smartphone usage frequency of the children was 5.35 days per week, and the mean smartphone screen time was 3.52 hours per day. Smartphone screen time (Z=4.49, p<0.001) and usage frequency (Z=2.75, p=0.006) were significantly correlated with children¡¯s behavioral problem scores. The indirect effect of parental stress on this relationship was also statistically significant (p=0.049, p=0.045, respectively).

Conclusion: This study suggests that children¡¯s smartphone screen time has affected problematic behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, parental stress is related to the relationship between children¡¯s screen time and problematic behaviors.
KEYWORD
COVID-19, Child, Mental health, Smartphone
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