# Attentional attributes of early child media usage

> **NIH NIH R21** · SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · 2021 · $231,900

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 Increasingly, early childhood includes electronic media. It is not just the age at which children begin
to view regularly that is concerning, but the content of the media and the context of the use. Recently,
newer mobile and interactive media platforms (e.g. tablets) have changed the way media is consumed.
Current viewing metrics suggest that tablet media is beginning to replace traditional TV viewing, but that
passive content (“watching video”) remains the primary component of early media use. Tablets allow
several important differences in use. First, apps for tablets allow both passive viewing as well as interactive
game playing, providing a more diverse set of content choices. Second, the personalized use of these
smaller devices allows the content to be delivered directly to the child, and adults are less likely to co-view
during tablet use. On-demand access also allows programs to be controlled, changing patterns of
consumption and use has extended out of the home into more environments. Observational studies of TV
use have linked excessive early media use with attention problems, language delay, and cognitive
detriments. It is unclear if the interactive nature of tables and apps might approximate more traditional
exchanges or even promote interactions. Given the changing media landscape, a better understanding of
how tablet based media influences early learning is important for supporting better child outcomes, and
potentially identifying those with early risk. To address these issues, we will investigate: (1) the immediate
impact of different tablet media content on infant joint attention behaviors, engagement, and
cardiophysiological responses related to regulation and attention. As well, we will explore parents ability to
predict their child’s difficulty disengaging from touchscreen technologies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10131824
- **Project number:** 5R21HD099300-02
- **Recipient organization:** SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** DIMITRI A CHRISTAKIS
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $231,900
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-04-01 → 2023-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10131824

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10131824, Attentional attributes of early child media usage (5R21HD099300-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10131824. Licensed CC0.

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