Longitudinal Associations of Children’s Hyperactivity/Inattention, Peer Relationship Problems and Mobile Device Use

Children with emotional, behavioral or relationship problems may be more inclined to use mobile touchscreen devices (MTSDs: mobiles and tablets) regulate their emotions compensate for the lack of social relationships, which, in turn, affect symptoms. Bi-directional longitudinal associations between difficulties MTSD were analyzed. Participants parents children aged 4–6 years old at first data collection (n = 173), 7–9 second 98). They reported on child’s two time points (T1 T2). It was analyzed whether T1 predicts T2 (controlling demographics difficulties); predict use). Additionally, cross-sectional Children’s hyperactivity/inattention score positively associated use, peer T2. Pre-schoolers hyperactive inattentive symptoms MTSDs emotions. The association is consistent poorer socio-cognitive skills user bi-directional.