Screen time in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their parents: a survey-based study in a paediatric Italian sample.

PURPOSE: This study examined screen time patterns and contextual factors in Italian children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs), and explored whether parental screen use and stress predicted child screen exposure.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

An online survey was distributed to families of children with NDs (e.g., intellectual disability, genetic syndromes, autism and learning disabilities). The survey collected socio-demographic information, measures of screen time for both children and parents, and parental stress.

RESULTS

Data from 352 families covering 407 children revealed that many children exceeded recommended screen time limits. More older children than younger children were in the higher use categories, while relatively similar patterns emerged across sex, diagnostic groups and levels of functional disability. Television was the most frequently used device, while about half used smartphones. Watching videos and cartoons, often alone, was the most common screen activity, with rehabilitative use reported by few. Difficulties in disengaging from screens were more common among older participants and those with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Most parents reported less than one hour of non-work-related screen use per day. However, greater parental loss of control over screen use was linked to higher parental screen time, which, in turn, predicted increased screen use in children. Parental stress was also directly associated with higher child screen time.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the importance of tailored, developmentally appropriate screen time guidelines for children with NDs. Clinicians and rehabilitation therapists can support caregivers in making informed choices about digital media use, promoting positive digital engagement while minimising potential risks.