DT 20/22 Determinantes de la exposición a pantallas en la primera infancia: Evidencia para Uruguay

This paper aims to analyze the correlation between screen exposure and characteristics of children and their homes. We use the Nutrition, Child Development and Health Survey data to estimate nonlinear regression models. Results show that the child's age is positively associated with the use of screens in early childhood. We also observe a tendency towards convergence regarding screen use between regions and socioeconomic strata in the years analyzed. In addition, the presence of new technologies at home is a relevant factor in explaining the hours of screen time, the use of screens during meals, and caregivers' opinion regarding their use. On the other hand, care arrangements and the structure of the home are also factors that explain screen exposure. The presence of other children, as well as preschool attendance, is associated with lower screen use. Living with both mother and father and the hours of unpaid care by other adults positively correlate with screen use. Finally, the child's family environment, given by the caregiver's emotional vulnerability and upbringing's emotional environment, is also a predictor of screen exposure.