Changes in children’s pattern of digital media use and parental variables during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to increase infants' use of media and pose specific challenges for parents. This study aimed to analyze the dynamics and associations between the perception of change in digital media’s use during the pandemic, parental variables (loss of social support, symptoms of common mental disorders (CMD), perceived stress, parental self-efficacy, and satisfaction), and the child's age. Participants were 231 parents (M=33.84 years; SD=4.84; 91.80% female) of children with typical development of up to 36 months. Instruments used were: Sociodemographic Data Questionnaire; Media Use Questionnaire; Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20); Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4); Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC). Descriptive analyzes were conducted, as well as regularized partial correlation network analysis. The results indicate a perception of increased usage time, and the insertion of new devices into the children's routine. High rates of loss of social support, perceived stress, and CMD symptoms were found. The loss of social support and the child's age were strongly associated with changes in the pattern of use. The perception of increased usage time proved to be relevant from an intervention point of view, as well as mental health measures and loss of social support.