The feasibility of passively tracking children's TV viewing and mobile device use in naturalistic settings

Research on children's technology and digital media (TDM) is hampered by a lack of robust approaches for assessing TDM use. This study assessed the feasibility of passively measuring children's TV screen viewing and mobile devices use in a naturalistic setting. In the three-day feasibility study, FLASH-TV was set up on one to two TVs the child (5–12 year olds) typically used in the home (<i>n</i> = 20). Children's mobile device use was assessed with either the Chronicle App or Screen Time screenshots. Parents completed three TDM diaries. An exit interview with the parent explored their perceptions of the assessments and the child's TDM use report. Complete data were obtained on 86.7% of days for passive assessment of TV viewing and 84.3% of days for mobile device use. Fifteen parents reviewed complete TDM use reports for their child, with most stating the reports appeared correct for TV (80%) and mobile device (80%). Almost two-thirds had no concerns about having the FLASH-TV installed in their home, while some reported issues about feeling observed. Parents described high burden and frustration with the TDM diaries. Data provided preliminary evidence that passive measurement is feasible for assessing children's TV and mobile device use, with reduced burden for parents.