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March 13, 2026BMJ Open2 citationsOpen Access

‘We just give the phone so they stay quiet’: a qualitative exploration of screen time practices among caregivers of children younger than 5 years in south India

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SVSamya VaradarajanAVAkila Govindarajan VenguidesvaraneMRMuthukumar Rajamohan

Key Points

  • The study investigates the challenges caregivers face in managing screen time for children under five years old in South India.
  • Qualitative exploration of caregiver practices regarding screen time.
  • Interviews with caregivers to understand their perspectives and challenges.
  • Analysis of family dynamics and structural issues affecting screen time management.
  • Caregivers report using screens as a means to manage child behavior.
  • Identified challenges include caregiver fatigue and lack of alternatives to screen use.
  • Stress the need for tailored interventions and community support for families.

Abstract

Caregivers face multiple, structural and family level challenges in managing screen time among young children. Awareness and interventions need to be tailored to address family dynamics, caregiver fatigue and lack of alternatives. Health providers, community workers and policymakers should collaborate to offer structured support, promote screen-free engagement and ensure child-friendly spaces in urban and rural communities.

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Cite This Study

Varadarajan et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69b3aba202a1e69014ccca29https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-108729
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