Impact of Parental ADHD Status on Screen Time Allowance in Children: Insights from NHIS Data

Title: Impact of Parental ADHD Status on Screen Time Allowance in Children: Insights from NHIS Data Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects both children and adults, with significant implications for daily functioning. While research has examined the impact of ADHD on children's screen time, less is known about how parental ADHD may influence screen time practices. This study explores the relationship between parental ADHD status and their regulation of children's screen time, a critical aspect of neurodevelopment in an increasingly digital world. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2019–2023 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), which includes U.S. household data on health behaviors. Parents were categorized based on self-reported ADHD diagnosis. The primary outcome was whether parents allowed their child more than 2 hours of screen time daily. Statistical analyses, including Z-scores, chi-squared tests, and p-values, were used to assess the relationship between parental ADHD status and screen time practices. Results: Among 11,571 parents, 10.2% (1,185) reported a history of ADHD. Of parents without ADHD, 62.6% allowed more than 2 hours of screen time daily. In contrast, 76.0% of parents with ADHD permitted 2 or more hours daily. This difference was statistically significant (Z-score = 9.10, X2 = 82.81, p < 0.00001). Conclusion: Parental ADHD status is associated with increased likelihood of allowing more screen time for their children. These findings underscore the importance of considering parental mental health when addressing screen time habits, with implications for targeted family health interventions.