Family conflict and less parental monitoring were associated with greater screen time in early adolescence

Abstract

AbstractAimThe current study investigated the prospective relationships between parental monitoring, family conflict, and screen time across six screen time modalities in early adolescents in the USA.MethodsWe utilised prospective cohort data of children (ages 10–14 years) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (years baseline to Year 2 of follow‐up; 2016–2020; N = 10 757). Adjusted coefficients (B) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using mixed‐effect models with robust standard errors.ResultsA higher parental monitoring score was associated with less total screen time (B = −0.37, 95% CI −0.58, −0.16), with the strongest associations being with video games and YouTube videos. Conversely, a higher family conflict score was associated with more total screen time (B = 0.08, 95% CI 0.03, 0.12), with the strongest associations being with YouTube videos, video games, and watching television shows/movies in Years 1 and 2.ConclusionThe current study found that greater parental monitoring was associated with less screen time, while greater family conflict was linked to more screen time. These results may inform strategies to reduce screen time in adolescence, such as improving communication between parents and their children to strengthen family relationships.