The Screen Time Ecological Model (STEM): The development of a conceptual and practice model on screen time for children

ABSTRACT

@#It is undeniable that technology has become part of modern society that extends to children's grasp. However, the amount of screen time exposure in children and its effects are increasingly becoming a significant concern for families, educators, and child-related health professionals, such as occupational therapists. This study aims to help child-related health professionals understand the factors contributing to screen time and describe children's screen time levels to enable proper assessment and intervention planning. The Screen Time Ecological Model (STEM) follows the SocioEcological Model in describing influencing factors to screen time behavior, the Ecology of Human Performance in conceptualizing intervention approaches, and the Developmental Frame of Reference in describing the age-appropriate screen time recommendation children based on the American Academy of Pediatrics Media Use Guidelines for Families. The optimal goal of STEM is to promote the just-right screen time use within the pediatric population.