Effect of Sleep and Screen Time on Neurobehavioral Problems Among School-Going Children

Purpose: Excess screen exposure affects children's behavior and ability to focus through multiple pathways, including the potential for sleep disturbances that negatively influence developmental outcomes.This study aimed to investigate the relationship between screen time (ST), sleep disturbances, and neurobehavioral problems in school-going children.Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 776 children at a tertiary care hospital.Study participants were divided into two groups: pre-adolescent children (aged 6-12 years), and adolescent children (aged 12-18 years).Parents were interviewed to collect demographic information, sleep-related data, and ST patterns.Behavioral issues were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).Statistical analysis involved the chi-square test and logistic regression to identify associations between variables.Results: Among the 776 participants, preadolescents exhibited longer average daily screen use (mean 6.98 hours), more frequent sleep disturbances (22.9%), and higher neurobehavioral problem scores (mean CBCL T-score 60.9) than adolescents (mean ST 6.02 hours, sleep disturbances 15.2%, CBCL score 57.8).Increased ST, frequent use of mature-rated video games, and the presence of sleep problems were each significantly associated with higher neurobehavioral problem rates, with these relationships being particularly pronounced in preadolescents.Conclusion: This study highlights an age-dependent influence of screen exposure, sleep disturbances, and mature-rated gaming content on neurobehavioral outcomes in school-going children.Preadolescents demonstrate heightened vulnerability, with greater neurobehavioral problems, more sleep disturbances, and higher exposure to problematic digital content compared to adolescents.Age-specific interventions promoting appropriate screen use and healthy sleep hygiene are essential to reduce these risks.