Adverse Childhood Experiences and Digital Media Overuse Among Korean Middle-School Students: Findings From the Panel Study on Korean Children

This study examined the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and digital media overuse among Korean adolescents using Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory. A secondary analysis of the Panel Study on Korean Children ( n = 1,316) was conducted. Overall, 63.1% reported at least one ACE, and 56.6% met criteria for digital media overuse. In adjusted logistic regression models, having three or more ACEs was significantly associated with higher odds of digital media overuse (3 ACEs: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14–3.41, p = .015; 4 ACEs: aOR = 3.81, 95% CI = 1.69–8.58, p < .001). Older age, female sex, and better school adjustment were associated with lower odds, whereas higher maternal parenting stress and academic stress were associated with greater odds. These findings support ACE-informed, family-centered prevention strategies within school health systems.