Prevalence, trajectories, and determinants of television viewing time in an ethnically diverse sample of young children from the UK

Abstract

BackgroundExcessive screen viewing in early childhood is associated with poor physical and psycho-social health and poor cognitive development. This study aimed to understand the prevalence, trajectory and determinants of television viewing time in early childhood to inform intervention development.MethodsIn this prospective longitudinal study, mothers of 1558 children (589 white British, 757 Pakistani heritage, 212 other ethnicities) completed questionnaires when their children were approximately 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months old. Mothers answered questions about their own and their child’s TV-time. TV-time trajectories were estimated by linear longitudinal multilevel modeling, potential determinants were considered in models.ResultsThe modelled trajectory estimated that 75% of children aged 12 months exceeded guidelines of zero screen-time. At 12 months of age an accelerated increase in TV-time was observed (<1 h/day at 14 months, >2 h/day by 30 months old). For every hour of mothers’ TV-time and every hour the TV was on in the home, children’s TV-time was 8 min and 1 min higher respectively at 6 months old (P < 0.05), and 15 min and 3 min higher respectively at 36 months old (P < 0.05). Children whose mothers did not agree that it was important their child did not watch too much TV, had 17 min more TV-time than their counterparts (P < 0.05). Children of first time mothers had 6 min more TV-time (P < 0.05). At 12 months of age, children of mothers experiencing stress watched 8 min more TV (P < 0.05). By 36 months, children of Pakistani heritage mothers had 22 min more TV-time than those of white British mothers (P < 0.05), and an additional 35 min of TV-time if their mother was not born in the UK (P < 0.05).ConclusionsHigh levels of TV-time were prevalent. Intervention developers should consider targeting interventions before 12 months of age. Modifiable determinants included mothers’ own TV-time, the time the television is on in the home and mothers’ attitude towards child TV-time. These behaviours may be key components to address in interventions for parents. Mothers experiencing stress, first time mothers, and Pakistani heritage mothers (particularly those born outside of the UK), may be priority groups for intervention.

Associations of TV Viewing Duration, Meals and Snacks Eaten When Watching TV, and a TV in the Bedroom with Child Adiposity

“…This highlights that large studies with sufficient statistical power may be needed to identify relationships. Every 1 h/d was associated with only a 0.075‐cm larger waist circumference; however, considering this was a study of young children who are on a trajectory of increased daily TV viewing , and measurement error may have underestimated the magnitude of our reported associations, it is reasonable to consider that the results may still be clinically meaningful in the long term. Reviews have similarly deliberated that although associations with adiposity tend to be weak, nearly all children watch TV, and therefore a small “effect” across a very large population could be significant for public health .…”

“…Despite increased home ownership of multimedia devices, TV viewing on a TV set remains the dominant screen time behavior in early childhood . A recent study reported that UK children aged around 6 months watched nearly 1 hour of TV per day, and viewing time more than doubled to exceed 2 hours daily by 36 months of age . Similar levels of TV viewing have been documented in young children internationally .…”

“…This investigation included only children from singleton births with data for TV viewing, adiposity, and potential confounders from the 12‐month visit and onward ( n = 1,411), as we have previously shown that TV viewing patterns take approximately 12 months to consolidate . Children with a mother belonging to an ethnic group other than South Asian (Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi) or white (British or other, e.g., white European) were also excluded (remaining n = 1,338).…”

“…Children’s average daily DVD and TV viewing durations were parent reported at all time points (when children were aged ~12, 18, 24, and 36 months) in answer to a disaggregated question pertaining to the type of day (week or weekend) and whether the behavior was before or after 6 pm . Weighted mean daily TV viewing before and after 6 pm was calculated ([{weekday hours × 5} + {weekend hours × 2}] / 7) and combined to estimate total daily TV viewing (hours per day).…”

“…Children's average daily DVD and TV viewing durations were parent reported at all time points (when children were aged ~12, 18, 24, and 36 months) in answer to a disaggregated question pertaining to the type of day (week or weekend) and whether the behavior was before or after 6 pm (11…”