Screen time struggles: Unveiling predictors of problematic digital use and the impact of parental mediation among Hong Kong preschoolers

Research Findings: Digital devices increasingly permeate the lives of preschoolers, escalating public concerns regarding their digital well-being. This study explored the status quo of digital usage among preschoolers in Hong Kong and identified predictors of problematic digital use (PDU) through a parent-reported survey involving 332 children (175 boys and 157 girls; average age = 4.50 years, SD = 0.94). This survey assessed children’s screen time and digital behaviors, PDU, parental mediation (PM), and parents’ beliefs (PB) about their children’s digital usage. The results indicated that: (1) Hong Kong preschoolers were often exposed to various digital devices in diverse contexts, with 22.9% using digital devices for more than one hour daily; 7.5%, 4.5%, and 20.8% exhibited tendencies of PDU, psychosocial issues, and withdrawal and tolerance problems, respectively; (2) The frequency of digital use and average daily screen time were positive predictors of PDU, while PM and family socioeconomic status (SES) acted as negative predictors; (3) PM served as a mediating factor in the relationship between family SES and PDU. Practice or Policy: This study offers a comprehensive overview of digital usage patterns among preschoolers in Hong Kong and highlights the vital role of parental involvement in alleviating preschoolers’ PDU. Copyright © 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.