1-year above-recommendation screen use and internalizing and externalizing behaviours in French children aged 3 to 14 years

Introduction The context of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed daily life families and children. Screen exposure was increased during this period to maintain social relationships, work remotely, occupy leisure time. Objectives To explore association continued above-recommendation screen use for one year since May 2020 with behaviour problems in summer 2021 children aged 3 14 years. Methods Data came from French EpiCov cohort study, were collected at first (Autumn 2020) second follow-up (Summer 2021) among 1,089 participants 14. Children had a 1-year if their mean time exceeded recommendations three times (one hour, 3-5, two older ones). Behaviour assessed using Strengths Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) valid cut-offs Internalizing (emotional or peer problems) Externalizing (conduct hyperactivity/inattention) completed 2021. analysed adjusted logistic regression. Results not associated internalizing (OR [95% CI]: 1.20 [0.90-1.59]). Regarding subscales, it higher risk (1.42 [1.04-1.95]). A externalizing found only 11-14-year-olds (1.63 [1.01-2.63]), especially conduct (1.91 [1.15-3.22]) but other age groups. Conclusions This study that maintaining beyond 1 onset 3-14 years 11-14 Despite very specific context, screens is trivial. If situation occur again, we would have anticipate, prevention messages, by keeping schools open. Disclosure Interest None Declared