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

Objective: The rapid expansion of mobile technology has significantly altered children's screen time behaviors, contributing to concerns about excessive usage. These changes are particularly relevant for children with borderline intellectual functioning, in whom unmanaged screen time may exacerbate developmental challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a parent-mediated screen time usage module (PM-STUM) in reducing screen time and improving physical activity levels, sleep quality, and behavioral outcomes in children aged 4-12 years with borderline IQ.Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 children diagnosed with borderline IQ, recruited from a child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient department at a tertiary care hospital in North India. Participants were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. The PM-STUM was delivered online to parents through 3 interactive sessions, each lasting 50-60 minutes, addressing the adverse effects of excessive screen time, general guidelines for regulation, technological management, and behavioral strategies for moderating screen time. Screen time was assessed using a 24-hour screen time diary, sleep quality was measured via the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, behavioral outcomes were evaluated using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and physical activity was assessed using a standardized physical activity questionnaire. Data were collected between July 15 and September 15, 2023, with outcome assessment conducted 6 weeks postintervention.Results: Repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated significant reductions in children's screen time (P 2P=0.4), improvements in physical activity (P 2P=0.2), enhancements in sleep quality (P 2P=0.3), and reductions in behavioral difficulties (P 2P=0.2) in the intervention group compared to controls.Conclusion: The PM-STUM demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing screen time and improving associated behavioral and health outcomes among children with borderline IQ. These findings underscore the importance of parent-mediated interventions in managing screen time and fostering healthier behavioral patterns in vulnerable pediatric populations.Trial Registry: Clinical Trials Registry, India: CTRI/2023/08/056180.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2026;28(4):25m04135. Author affiliations are listed at the end of this article.