Peer-reviewed article
'We just give the phone so they stay quiet': a qualitative exploration of screen time practices among caregivers of children younger than 5 years in south India.
Varadarajan S, Govindarajan Venguidesvarane A, Rajamohan M, Krupa M, Ramaswamy KN ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study explores how caregivers of children under 5 in rural and urban Tamil Nadu, India manage screen time use. Researchers conducted focus group discussions with 54 caregivers and found that screens are commonly used to keep children quiet while parents manage household tasks, despite awareness of potential harms. Key barriers to reducing screen time include children's resistance, inconsistent family rules, and lack of safe play spaces. Caregivers employed various strategies such as limiting screen access and encouraging outdoor play, though success was inconsistent.
Key points
- Caregivers use screens primarily to pacify children and manage household chores, citing safety concerns and lack of play space as reasons
- Most caregivers were aware of potential harms from excessive screen time but continued using screens as a parenting tool
- Emotional resistance from children, inconsistent family norms, and grandparents' own screen use were major barriers to reducing screen time
- Caregivers employed strategies including limiting screen access, outdoor play engagement, and structured activity enrolment
- Urban-rural differences in screen management practices were minimal
Limitations
This qualitative study captures caregiver perceptions and reported practices but does not measure actual screen time use or child development outcomes. The findings are specific to Tamil Nadu and may not generalise to other regions of India or countries with different cultural contexts.
Abstract
Objective To explore the perceptions, challenges and strategies of caregivers in managing screen time among children younger than 5 years in the urban and rural areas of Tamil Nadu, India. Design Qualitative study using focus group discussions (FGDs). Setting Rural Health and Training Centre in Vayalanallur, Thiruvallur district and Urban Health and Training Centre, Thiruvanmyur in Chennai district, Tamil Nadu, India. Participants 54 caregivers (27 rural, 27 urban, 46 mothers, 6 grandmothers, 2 fathers) of children younger than 5 years whose screen time exceeded WHO age-specific recommendations participated. Six FGDs were conducted, each with 8-10 participants. Methods FGDs were conducted in familiar community locations near the participants' homes to ensure comfort and accessibility. The audio recordings were transcribed verbatim in Tamil and translated into English and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Coding was manually performed by two independent researchers. Results Six major themes emerged: (1) circumstances leading to screen exposure, (2) perceived advantages, (3) perceived disadvantages, (4) challenges in reducing screen time, (5) methods adopted to reduce screen time and (6) strategies for sustaining reduction. Safety concerns, lack of play space and the need to manage household chores were commonly cited reasons for screen use. Although most caregivers were aware of the potential harms, screens were often used to feed or pacify children. Emotional resistance from children, inconsistent family norms and grandparents' screen use were common barriers. Caregivers employed strategies, such as limiting access, engaging in outdoor play and enrolling children in structured activities. Urban-rural differences were minimal, and thematic saturation was achieved after six FGDs. Conclusions Caregivers face multiple, structural and family level challenges in managing screen time among young children. Awareness and interventions need to be tailored to address family dynamics, caregiver fatigue and lack of alternatives. Health providers, community workers and policymakers should collaborate to offer structured support, promote screen-free engagement and ensure child-friendly spaces in urban and rural communities.