Research library · Screens & Technology
Public research record
Parental Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceived Usefulness of Australian Screen Time Guidelines for Toddlers and Preschoolers.
Health promotion journal of Australia : official journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals · 2026
- DOI 10.1002/hpja.70178
- PMID 41913471
- PMCID PMC13036367
Study snapshot
What this research can tell you
- What is this?
- An indexed scholarly work. The study design is not available in this public record.
- Who did it?
- Thomas G, Lau S, Gomersall S, et al.
- What did they study?
- Population details are not available in this public record.
- How should I read it?
- FamilyPhD does not assign a strength rating without enough structured study detail.
What was found
The structured finding summary is not available. The study abstract is shown below.
Limitations
Structured limitations are not available in this public record. Absence here does not mean the study has no limitations.
Where FamilyPhD has used it
FamilyPhD may cite this work when it supports a specific answer. A public history of individual answer use is not currently available, so no contribution relationship is implied on this page.
From the publication record
Study abstract
The abstract is publication text, not a FamilyPhD recommendation.
Methods
Data were drawn from a cross-sectional online survey of Australian parents (n = 229) of young children aged between 1 and 5 years. Knowledge of screen time guidelines (multiple-choice item), attitudes (4 items; 5-point scale) and perceived usefulness (3 items; 5-point scale) were examined. Descriptive statistics were calculated for independent variables and regression models estimated to examine sociodemographic factors associated with knowledge, attitudes and perceived usefulness.
Results
Parents of toddlers were 4.45 times (p < 0.001) more likely to know the screen time guidelines than parents of preschoolers. Knowledge was lower among parents in full-time employment and those living in major cities (p < 0.05). Attitudes did not differ by demographics, but parents of girls rated the guidelines as more useful than parents of boys (p = 0.038). Higher attitude scores (p = 0.017) and greater perceived usefulness (p = 0.047) were associated with correctly identifying the guidelines.
Conclusion
Knowledge gaps exist, particularly among parents of preschoolers, those employed full-time and those living in major cities. Targeted education with diverse parent groups is needed to ensure guidelines are both understood and perceived as useful. SO WHAT?: Inclusive guidelines, supported by tailored education and implementation strategies for key parent groups, may improve understanding and uptake in realistic family contexts.
