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Description

Externalizing behaviors (EB) refer to outward actions in which children negatively interact with their environment (Hinshaw, 1987). Research on young children’s screen exposure (SE) and EB suggest a complex and potentially bidirectional relationship (Neville at al., 2021).

SE and EB in preschool-aged children remain understudied and are frequently examined as secondary outcomes, leading to methodological variability and inconsistent findings(Descarpentry et al., 2023; Eirich, 2021; Eirich et al., 2022; Gillioz et al., 2025; Griffith et al., 2024; & Neville et al., 2021). The present study addresses this gap.

SE was measured using the caregiver-reported 7-in-7 Questionnaire, assessing weekday, weekend, and average daily screen use. EB were measured using caregiver ratings on the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC-3) and the Vineland (Kamphaus, 2020; Sparrow, Cicchetti, & Saulnier, 2016).

To date, 87 preschool 4-and-5-year-old participants have provided data. Preliminary analyses indicate weekday screen use and average daily screen time each significantly, negatively correlated with caregiver-report of child negative emotion, hyperactivity, attention problems, and emotional self control (rs=-0.27, adj ps =0.03). Average daily screentime was also negatively correlated with aggression (r=-0.26, adj p=0.04). Weekday, weekend and average daily screentime were also significantly, negatively correlated with caregiver-report of maladaptive behaviors, more broadly (rs=-0.36, adj ps=0.003).

These findings indicate greater SE is associated with lower EB, informing ongoing research and media use guidelines (Fitzpatrick et al., 2016). Results suggest SE may support behavioral regulation and the context in which they view screens may decrease negative EB in preschoolers.

Publication Date

4-30-2026

Keywords

Externalizing Behavior, Screen Use, Preschool

Associations Between Screen Exposure and Externalizing Behaviors in Preschool-Aged Children

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