Screen Time Exposure and its Association with Physical Health and Eating Behaviors among Children Aged 6–12 Years

Abstract

With advancement in today’s digital age, screens have become an integral part of our daily life, and children are exposed to digital media from an early age. There are growing concerns about the potential negative impacts of excessive screen time on the development of children in various spheres of life. The impact of screen time among children between 06-12 years stems from the rapid increase in digital media consumption in this age group. Children aged 06-12 years are in a critical developmental stage where excessive screen time can potentially influence their cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional growth. This study explores the impact of screen time on children aged 06-12 years by examining its effects on physical health and eating habits through comprehensive statistical analyses. Data was collected from 100 children (48 boys, 52 girls) from urban and rural areas using purposive sampling. Advanced statistical methods including chi-square tests, correlation analysis, odds ratios, effect size calculations, and multivariate regression were employed. Results revealed mean daily screen time of 2.34 ± 1.52 hours, with 32% exceeding recommended limits. Excessive screen time (>2 hours/day) showed significant associations with vision problems (OR = 3.21, p <.01), eating disturbances (OR = 2.84, p <.01), and sedentary behavior (OR = 4.12, p <.001). Correlation analysis demonstrated strong positive relationships between screen time and overall health impact (r = .58, p <.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that screen time duration, urban residence, and age collectively explained 42.3% of variance in health outcomes (R² = .423, p <.001). The study provides robust evidence for the detrimental effects of excessive screen time and recommends comprehensive interventions including time limits, screen-free zones, and parental education.