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Background <p>The rapid digitization of daily life poses potential neurodevelopmental and psychosocial risks for the pediatric population. While the physical health consequences of excessive screen time are increasingly recognized, the association between problematic technology use (PTU) and social competence in early childhood remains under-researched.</p> Aim <p>This study aimed to evaluate the risk magnitude of PTU in children aged 48–72&#xa0;months and to examine its correlation with social competence and behavioral profiles from a public health perspective.</p> Methods <p>A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted between February 2023 and April 2024. The sample consisted of 883 parents and 66 educators. Quantitative data were obtained using the Problematic Technology Use Scale for Young Children (PTUS-YC) and the Social Competence and Behavior Evaluation (SCBE-30). Qualitative insights regarding digital habits were gathered through semi-structured interviews.</p> Results <p>The mean PTUS-YC score was 55.1 ± 14.9, indicating a moderate risk level in the study population. Multivariate analysis revealed that residing in Bolu province, parental age ≥ 35&#xa0;years, a lack of parental content control, and higher daily screen time were significant predictors of increased PTU. A significant positive correlation was found between PTU and behavioral maladjustment scores (r = 0.336, p &lt; 0.001), indicating higher digital exposure is associated with lower social competence.</p> Conclusion <p>Excessive digital exposure acts as a modifiable risk factor for behavioral health in early childhood. The findings underscore the necessity for pediatricians and public health professionals to integrate “digital hygiene” assessments into routine child health monitoring. Interventions should focus on parental guidance to mitigate digital overload.</p>

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Digital toxicity in early childhood: A mixed-methods study on the nexus of problematic technology use and behavioral health risks

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月7日

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  • Mine Tepetaş,
  • Alaettin Ünsal,
  • Gülüzar Şule Tepetaş Cengiz,
  • Didem Arslantaş

摘要

Background

The rapid digitization of daily life poses potential neurodevelopmental and psychosocial risks for the pediatric population. While the physical health consequences of excessive screen time are increasingly recognized, the association between problematic technology use (PTU) and social competence in early childhood remains under-researched.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the risk magnitude of PTU in children aged 48–72 months and to examine its correlation with social competence and behavioral profiles from a public health perspective.

Methods

A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted between February 2023 and April 2024. The sample consisted of 883 parents and 66 educators. Quantitative data were obtained using the Problematic Technology Use Scale for Young Children (PTUS-YC) and the Social Competence and Behavior Evaluation (SCBE-30). Qualitative insights regarding digital habits were gathered through semi-structured interviews.

Results

The mean PTUS-YC score was 55.1 ± 14.9, indicating a moderate risk level in the study population. Multivariate analysis revealed that residing in Bolu province, parental age ≥ 35 years, a lack of parental content control, and higher daily screen time were significant predictors of increased PTU. A significant positive correlation was found between PTU and behavioral maladjustment scores (r = 0.336, p < 0.001), indicating higher digital exposure is associated with lower social competence.

Conclusion

Excessive digital exposure acts as a modifiable risk factor for behavioral health in early childhood. The findings underscore the necessity for pediatricians and public health professionals to integrate “digital hygiene” assessments into routine child health monitoring. Interventions should focus on parental guidance to mitigate digital overload.