Brain Network Topology: The Missing Link Between Early Childhood Screen Time Utilization and Executive Function Performance

Excessive screen time utilization in childhood has been linked to executive dysfunction. Our primary aim was to investigate the potential influence of screen time in early childhood on brain network topology and later executive function (EF). We collected data on screen time (between ages 0-4 years) (n = 950), followed by MRI brain at age 6 (n = 414) and assessment of executive function at age 7 (n = 620). Screen time in early childhood was significantly associated with emotion processing-cognitive control network integration which mediates the effect of screen time on EF performance.