The Associations of Electronic Media Use With Sleep and Circadian Problems, Social, Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties in Adolescents

BACKGROUND: Electronic media use (EMU) becomes one of the most common activities in adolescents. The present study investigated the deleterious influence of excessive EMU and EMU before bedtime on social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties (SEBD) in adolescents. The role of sleep and circadian problems in mediating the association of EMU with SEBD was examined. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted with 3,455 adolescents (55.7% female, mean age = 14.8 ± 1.57 years, 36.6% monthly family income < HK$15,000) between December 2011 and March 2012 in Hong Kong. The associations of EMU with sleep and circadian problems and SEBD were analyzed using multiple binary logistic regression and path analysis. Sleep problems were measured by the Insomnia Severity Index and the reduced Horne and Östberg Morningness and Eveningness Questionnaire. Circadian problems were calculated based on established formulas. SEBD was measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Participants' mental health status was assessed by the General Health Questionnaire. RESULTS: A longer duration of EMU, excessive EMU (daily duration ≥ 2 h), and bedtime EMU (an hour before bedtime) were associated with the risk of sleep and circadian problems, poor mental health, and SEBD (p < 0.05). Insomnia, eveningness, social jetlag, and sleep deprivation were found to mediate the associations of EMU (including bedtime EMU of computers, electronic game consoles, phones, and televisions, together with excessive EMU of computers for leisure purposes and phones) with mental health and SEBD. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest the need for setting up guidelines and advocacy for education for appropriate EMU and intervention for the associated sleep and circadian problems to ameliorate EMU-related mental and behavioral health problems in adolescents.