SupplementsExercise

Parent-mediated screen time usage module reduces screen time and improves sleep quality in children with borderline IQ

A randomized controlled trial of 60 children with borderline IQ found that a parent-mediated screen time usage module (PM-STUM) significantly reduced screen time (η²p=0.4), improved sleep quality (η²p=0.3), increased physical activity (η²p=0.2), and reduced behavioral difficulties (η²p=0.2) compared to controls at 6 weeks postintervention.

Last updated: Aug 4, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Reducing Screen Time in Children With Borderline IQ: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Parent-Mediated Screen Time Usage Module.

observational

Kumari S, Sharma N, Sharma S, Chauhan N, Sharma A · The primary care companion for CNS disorders (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 6 weeks postintervention
Intervention: Parent-mediated screen time usage module (PM-STUM) delivered online through 3 interactive sessions of 50-60 minutes each, covering adverse effects of screen time, regulation guidelines, technological management, and behavioral strategies
Outcome: Screen time (24-hour diary), sleep quality (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire), behavioral outcomes (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), physical activity (standardized questionnaire)
Effect Size: η²p=0.3 for sleep quality
Population: Children aged 4-12 years with borderline IQ recruited from a child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient department at a tertiary care hospital in North India

Result:

PubMed: 42530874DOI: 10.4088/PCC.25m04135

Mechanism Graph

Parents receive education on adverse effects of excessive screen time
↓
Parents learn general guidelines for screen time regulation
↓
Parents implement technological management and behavioral strategies
↓
Result: Reduced screen time, improved sleep quality, increased physical activity, reduced behavioral difficulties

Limitations

  • ⚠Short follow-up period of only 6 weeks postintervention
  • ⚠Single-center study in North India, limiting generalizability to other populations
  • ⚠Reliance on parent-reported outcomes (diaries and questionnaires) which may introduce bias

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PM-STUM intervention?▼

The Parent-Mediated Screen Time Usage Module is an online intervention delivered to parents in three 50-60 minute sessions, covering adverse effects of screen time, guidelines for regulation, technological management, and behavioral strategies.

How was sleep quality measured in this study?▼

Sleep quality was measured using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, a validated parent-report instrument.

What population was studied?▼

The study included 60 children aged 4-12 years diagnosed with borderline intellectual functioning (borderline IQ), recruited from a child psychiatry outpatient department in North India.

What were the main outcomes of the intervention?▼

The intervention significantly reduced screen time, improved sleep quality, increased physical activity, and reduced behavioral difficulties compared to the control group, with effect sizes ranging from η²p=0.2 to 0.4.

Products

Affiliate links coming soon. We only recommend products that match the doses and forms used in the cited research.

References

  1. 1.Kumari S, Sharma N, Sharma S, Chauhan N, Sharma A. "Reducing Screen Time in Children With Borderline IQ: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Parent-Mediated Screen Time Usage Module.." The primary care companion for CNS disorders, 2026. PMID: 42530874 DOI: 10.4088/PCC.25m04135
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.