Mobile media exposure in early childhood: patterns, risks, and parental insights

Objective: This study aimed to assess the extent and patterns of mobile media exposure in children aged 1–24 months and examine the parental practices and beliefs associated with its use. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing preventive strategies and informing public health policies. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, including 404 parents of children aged 1–24 months. Data were collected using a 48-item self-administered questionnaire addressing demographics, mobile media usage patterns, and parental attitudes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0, with chi-square and non-parametric tests applied to identify significant associations. Results: Mobile media exposure was reported in 65.8% of children, with 10.9% exposed as early as 3 months. Daily usage increased with age, with 9.8% exceeding two hours. Children with siblings had significantly higher exposure rates (p=0.020). Despite 91.4% of parents recognizing the potential harms of mobile media, 63.2% perceived its educational benefits. Notably, parental education and income levels did not show significant associations with exposure, whereas parental awareness about media risks correlated with reduced screen time usage (p = 0.010). Video calls were a frequent exception, with 86.8% of parents engaging in them, considering them less harmful. Conclusion: Mobile media exposure in children under two years is alarmingly high, often surpassing recommended limits. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive public health policies focusing on parental education and awareness programs. Pediatricians should play a proactive role in counseling families about screen time risks and appropriate digital engagement. Considering the widespread use of video calls, updated guidelines may be necessary to differentiate their impact from passive screen exposure. Future research should explore broader socioeconomic and environmental factors to refine intervention strategies.