DT 09 - 25 Screen Exposure in Early Childhood: an Experiment on Parental Practices and Beliefs

We conduct an information experiment on screen exposure in early childhood by providing caregivers with recommendations based on recognized health institutions through an online video and digital leaflet. We evaluate the effectiveness of this light touch intervention using original data on the quantity and quality of screen exposure. We find null effects for screen time and quality of exposure in the overall sample, with mild effects on parental beliefs. However, caregivers belonging to vulnerable groups improve their beliefs and their child's quality of screen exposure. In addition, we find suggestive evidence of strong survey effects from the self-assessment of parenting practices motivated by the completion of the questionnaire. These results provide evidence to design policies that promote skill acquisition from digital technologies by changing parental beliefs and practices.

Keywords: information experiment, parental beliefs and investments, screen media, infants and toddlers.