Examining how preschoolers' media use affects their sleep, development, and weight.
Leveraging passive objective assessment methods of preschooler's media use to examine multiple paths of influence on sleep, executive function and weight status
This study is looking at how using screens like TVs and tablets affects the health and development of preschoolers, focusing on things like sleep, weight, and thinking skills, while also seeing how parents can help guide their kids' media use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10906899 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of technology and digital media (TDM) use on preschool-aged children's health and development. Using a new technology called FLASH-TV, researchers will objectively measure children's media consumption across various platforms, including TVs and mobile devices. The study aims to explore how excessive media use relates to sleep quality, weight status, and executive function in children, while also considering the influence of parental guidance on media use. By employing objective measurement methods, the research seeks to provide more accurate insights into the effects of media on young children's well-being.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are preschool-aged children, particularly those aged 1 to 5 years, who are exposed to various forms of digital media.
Not a fit: Children who do not engage with digital media or those outside the preschool age range may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved guidelines for media use among preschoolers, promoting better health and developmental outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated concerns regarding excessive media use in children, but this study's objective measurement approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'connor, Teresia Margareta — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: O'connor, Teresia Margareta
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.