Understanding how screen media affects young children's behavior and development
Official title: Examining Complex Transactional Associations among Family Media Use, Caregiver-Child Interactions, and Behavioral Functioning in At-Risk Young Children
Funded at Florida International University · NIH-11179281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how using screens affects the feelings and behavior of young children, especially those who might have some challenges, and it aims to help parents understand how to support their kids better in a world full of media.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida International University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $608,215 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD114644-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11179281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-3 years who are at risk for emotional and behavioral difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Children who do not use screen media or are not at risk for behavioral issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of screen media use on the emotional and behavioral functioning of young children, particularly those at risk for behavioral issues. By following a cohort of 200 children and their caregivers, the study aims to explore not just the amount of screen time, but also the context in which media is used, including content and caregiver interactions. The goal is to identify the mechanisms that link media use to child development outcomes, providing insights into how caregivers can better support their children's growth in a media-saturated environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved guidelines for media use that enhance child development and reduce behavioral problems.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown varying results regarding the impact of screen media on child development, indicating that this area is still evolving and requires further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida International University
Miami, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Griffith, Shayl — Florida International University
- Study coordinator: Griffith, Shayl
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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.