Excessive Media Comsumption and Behavioural Problems - A Cross-Sectional Study on Pre-School Children

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the association between excessive media consumption (TV, video games usw) of more than three hours per day and behavioural problems in 5- to 6-year-old children. Methods: Data from 5 155 preschool children were collected within the second health monitoring units (GME survey) during 2005/2006 in Bavaria, Germany. Parentally reported behavioural problems ('normal', 'borderline' or 'abnormal') were assessed from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Daily media consumption was assessed for both weekend and weekdays and classified into three categories (rarely, medium, excessive). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to control potential confounders. Results: Boys showed more abnormal values on the total difficulties score of the SDQ than girls (8.2 vs. 4.1). Boys were more often excessive media consumers than girls. The association between excessive media consumption and abnormal values on the SDQ was significant in girls (OR: 2.2; 95 % CI: 1.3 -3.7) for both total difficulties score and subscales in the multivariate analysis. In boys, however, this association was less pronounced (OR: 1.5; 95 % CI: 1.0-2.1) and not consistently significant for all subscales. Conclusion: Our study has shown a significant association between excessive media consumption and abnormal SDQ values, especially among 5- to 6-year-old girls, but which is less pronounced in boys. Parents of preschool children with excessive media consumption should be informed and the children should undergo a screening for behavioural problems.