Little Eyes on Screens: Understanding Socioeconomic Factors in Screen Time

The increasing prevalence of digital technology in daily life has raised concerns about its implications for young children, particularly regarding the amount of screen time they experience and the socioeconomic factors that influence it. This study investigates the socioeconomic factors associated with screen time among Turkish children aged 36 to 72 months and explores potential inequalities in screen time related to maternal educational attainment. Data were obtained from a survey conducted between October and November 2023 in Türkiye. We used logistic regression to identify factors affecting screen time. Concentration indices were employed to measure maternal education-related inequalities within the sample. Female children, those with more highly educated mothers, or those whose parents hold negative attitudes toward digital technologies were more likely to limit their screen time to a maximum of one hour per day. Additionally, the concentration index indicates that adherence to recommended screen time limits is disproportionately concentrated among children of higher-educated mothers, revealing a pro-advantaged inequality in screen exposure. Parental education programs should include intervention programs to educate parents about their children’s digital interactions. To address inequalities in screen time and protect children from the potential adverse effects of excessive or poor-quality screen exposure, family training sessions on digital interactions during early childhood should be implemented.