The relationship between video games and social–emotional delay in Chinese rural preschoolers: A comparison of five types of media video games and social–emotional delay

Background

Recent studies have revealed a negative relationship between children's digital media use and social–emotional development. However, few studies distinguish between different digital devices and the different functions they provide that may lead to different outcomes.

Methods

This study explored the relationship between young children's time spent on various digital devices and their social–emotional delay based on a survey of 1182 preschoolers (3 to 6 years old) in rural China. Children's social–emotional delay was assessed through a validated screening tool (ASQ-SE II).

Results

Children's time spent on television, computers, tablets, or smartphones was not associated with their social–emotional delay. However, their risk of social–emotional delay increased as their time spent on game consoles increased. This relationship was reflected in five of the seven behavioural areas of children's social–emotional development (i.e., self-regulation, compliance, affect, social communications, and interactions with people). Moreover, it did not vary between children with different socioeconomic statuses.

Conclusions

This study suggests a possible relationship between children's social–emotional delay and video games, which might need to be paid more attention to than other media types.