EVALUATION of SCREEN TIME in 6-18 MONTH-OLD BABIES BASED ON MOTHER'S EDUCATIONAL STATUS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

This study aims to evaluate whether educating mothers can reduce screen time in infants aged 6-18 months. Early exposure to screens has been associated with potential negative effects on child development, including language delay, attention problems, and cognitive difficulties. Therefore, reducing screen exposure during infancy is considered important.

The study is designed as an open-label, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. A total of 92 mother-infant pairs are planned to be included and randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Mothers in the intervention group will receive structured education based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, including practical strategies to manage situations where screen use is commonly introduced (such as feeding or soothing the infant). Educational materials and follow-up guidance will also be provided. The control group will not receive any specific intervention.

Data on infants' screen exposure will be collected at baseline and at follow-up visits at 3 and 6 months using structured questionnaires. Sociodemographic characteristics will also be recorded.

The primary outcome of the study is the change in infants' screen time over the follow-up period. The findings are expected to provide evidence on whether parental education can be an effective strategy to reduce screen exposure in early childhood and support its integration into primary care practices.