Screen time and mental, emotional, developmental, and behavioral disorders in U.S. Children

Screen time has become an integral part of children’s daily lives, raising concerns about its potential effects on mental, emotional, developmental, and behavioral health. Excessive screen use during sensitive developmental periods has been linked to difficulties with attention, sleep, and emotional regulation. This study examined the association between weekday screen time and the prevalence of MEDB disorders among children aged 0–17 years in the United States. Data were drawn from the 2021–2022 National Survey of Children’s Health, a nationally representative dataset that provides comprehensive insights into child well-being. Multivariable analyses adjusted for age, sex, and race/ethnicity to account for potential confounders. Results showed a dose-response relationship: children who spent four or more hours per day on screens had 2.30 (95% CI: 2.15–2.47) times higher odds of being diagnosed with a MEDB disorder compared to peers with less than one hour. Elevated risks were also identified for three hours (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.47–1.70) and two hours (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.15–1.32) of daily screen use. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health strategies that promote healthy screen habits and embed evidence-based guidelines into schools, pediatric care, and community programs.