Use of screens in children under 6 years old in Guipúzcoa. Social characteristics and health repercussions

Objective: to analyze the use of screens between 6 months and 6 years of age in order to know the time, characteristics of their use, relationship with the socio-family situation and health repercussions. Methodology: cross-sectional study based on a survey administered to parents during visits to the Child Health Program between 6 months and 6 years of age. Linear regression models were used to study the factors influencing screen time. Results: 281 surveys were collected (8 excluded due to incomplete data). 114 older than 2 years and 159 younger than that age. 145 boys and 128 girls. Screens were used by 59% of children under 2 years of age and 100% of children over 2 years of age. The time of use is 30 minutes/day in <2 years and 1.5 hours/day in those older than that age. Twenty-five percent use them at mealtimes and 10% before going to sleep. An overall language delay of 7% was observed, being 9% in those older than 2 years. Greater use is related to sleep disturbance and decreased physical activity. Families with a better socioeconomic index or with higher education have a lower use. Conclusions: in children under 6 years of age there is a higher use of screens than recommended. Their greater use is related to language delay, sleep disorders and increased sedentary lifestyle. There is a relationship between the use of screens and the socio-family situation.