ArticlePloS one2025
The relationship between screen time, screen content for children aged 1-3, and the risk of ADHD in preschools.
Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. An erratum has been issued. Cited by 4 papers.
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Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed.
- Screen time in preschool-aged children and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-related behaviors: A literature review.World journal of clinical pediatrics · 2026Review
- The Structure of Psychopathology on Reddit: Network Analysis of Mental Health Communities in Relation to the ICD Diagnostic System.Journal of medical Internet research · 2026Article
- Correction: The relationship between screen time, screen content for children aged 1-3, and the risk of ADHD in preschools.PloS one · 2026Article
- The impact of electronic product use on children with tic disorders and ADHD, and management strategies: a review.Frontiers in psychiatry · 2025Review
Corrections and comments
- Erratum issued
Authors and funding
12 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectiveThis study investigates the relationship between screen time, screen content, and the risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) using data from a large sample. Specifically, it examines how different types of screen content (such as educational videos, cartoon videos, and interactive videos) are associated with the risk of ADHD. The aim is to offer a scientific foundation for the rational management of children's screen time and screen content.
methodsWe collected data through a questionnaire survey involving a study population of 41,494 children from Longhua District, Shenzhen City, China. The questionnaire recorded the daily screen time and the type of content viewed by the children at ages 1-3 years and assessed their risk of ADHD using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at ages 4-6 years. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis, controlling for confounding factors, was employed to explore the associations between screen time, screen content, and ADHD risk.
resultsIn the total sample, 6.7% of the participants had screen time exceeding 60 minutes per day, with educational videos predominant type (63.4%). 16.5% of the participants were identified as being at risk for ADHD. Statistically significant positive associations with ADHD were observed across all categories of screen time (P<0.001). Moreover, as screen time increased, the risk of ADHD also rose (OR1~60 mins/d=1.627, 95%CI=1.460~1.813; OR61~120 mins/d=2.838, 95%CI=2.469~3.261; OR>120 mins/d=3.687, 95%CI=2.835~4.796). Significant positive associations with ADHD were observed across all categories of screen time in the educational videos and cartoon videos. For the educational videos group, the odds ratios were as follows: OR1-60 mins/day=1.683 (95% CI=1.481-1.913), OR61-120 mins/day=3.193 (95% CI=2.658-3.835), and OR>120 mins/day=3.070 (95% CI=2.017-4.673). For the cartoon videos group, the odds ratios were: OR1-60 mins/day=1.603 (95% CI=1.290-1.991), OR61-120 mins/day=2.758 (95% CI=2.156-3.529), and OR>120 mins/day=4.097 (95% CI=2.760-6.081). However, no significant associations with ADHD risk were found for any category of screen time in the interactive videos group (OR1~60 mins/d=0.744, 95%CI=0.361~1.534; OR61~120 mins/d=0.680, 95%CI=0.296~1.560; OR>120 mins/d=1.678, 95%CI=0.593~4.748).
conclusionIncreased screen time is associated with a higher risk of ADHD, particularly for educational and cartoon videos, while interactive videos show no significant link. To mitigate this risk, parents and educators should implement strategies such as setting time limits, encouraging breaks, and promoting alternative activities. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and intervention trials to further explore and address this relationship.
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