Multi-Sectoral Partnerships for Managing Children’s Digital Exposure: A Pilot Study on Screen Time Reduction in China

• In Event: Lightning Session: Family and Child Policy & Population and Migration Issues

Abstract

Background:
As screen-based technologies become embedded in children's everyday routines, excessive screen time (ST) has emerged as a major public health concern globally. It has been consistently associated with a range of negative outcomes, including sleep disruption, poor dietary habits, cognitive delays, depressive symptoms, and reduced life satisfaction. In China, where digital penetration is accelerating and empirical interventions remain limited, there is an urgent need for evidence-based, community-driven strategies to support healthier childhood development.

Objective:
This pilot study evaluates a multi-level, caregiver-centered intervention aimed at reducing excessive ST among primary school-aged children in China. The project was designed through partnerships among academic researchers, community organizations, and local health service providers to foster scalable and context-sensitive policy solutions.

Methods:
Between August and September 2023, a cluster-randomized trial was conducted in eight urban and suburban communities in China, involving 336 caregivers. Participants were assigned to either an intervention group or a waitlist control group. The intervention included home-based education, community workshops, and parenting tools co-developed with local stakeholders. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, McNemar’s chi-square tests, and linear mixed models to assess behavioral change and policy relevance.

Key Findings:
The intervention significantly reduced children's average daily ST from 110.60 minutes to 80.42 minutes (p < 0.001), and halved the prevalence of excessive ST (from 36.31% to 17.26%, p < 0.001). The reduction was especially prominent during weekends and non-school hours. Statistically significant declines were also observed in both entertainment and academic screen use. However, the intervention showed limited impact on increasing physical activity, suggesting the need for cross-sector coordination with recreational and urban planning agencies.

Policy Implications:
This study demonstrates that collaborative, caregiver-focused interventions can effectively reduce screen overexposure in children and enhance developmental resilience. The project offers a replicable model for integrating family-based health promotion into community governance systems. For China and other rapidly digitizing societies, this work underscores the importance of evidence-informed, multi-stakeholder partnerships to design adaptable and transformative public health solutions. Future iterations should involve closer integration with education, urban design, and media regulation sectors to ensure sustained impact and cross-system alignment.

Author

• Qian-Wen Xie, Zhejiang University
  Presenting Author