Digital Pacifier for Parents: A Cross-Sectional Study of Mobile Phone Use, Patterns, and Parental Attitudes in Young Children in India.

Background The increasing reliance on smartphones and digital media to calm or occupy young children, often referred to as the "digital pacifier," has become widespread in Indian households. While this approach provides immediate convenience to caregivers, emerging research indicates potential adverse impacts on sleep patterns, behavior, and early developmental outcomes. Sociodemographic factors are likely to significantly influence this practice. Objective This study aims to characterize the sociodemographic characteristics and associated factors influencing the use of digital devices as tools for calming or engagement. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was carried out among 320 children aged 1-5 years. Data on age, gender, family structure, parental education, employment status, socioeconomic background, and children's screen exposure were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical methods were applied, and findings were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results Among 320 children, 248 (77.5%) were male and 72 (22.5%) were female. The mean daily screen exposure showed a progressive increase with age, ranging from nearly 2 hours/day in 1-year-olds to approximately 5-6 hours/day in children aged 4-5 years. Children belonging to nuclear families demonstrated greater screen use (4.5 ± 1.2 hours/day) compared to those from joint families (3.2 ± 1.0 hours/day). Children of illiterate mothers had significantly higher screen exposure compared to those of literate mothers (4.1 ± 1.2 versus 3.4 ± 1.1 hours/day;