Table 1_Screen time and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.docx

Subgroup analyses, leave-one-out sensitivity analyses, and Begg's and Egger's tests were also conducted.</p>Results<p>Excessive screen time was significantly associated with elevated childhood ADHD risk (pooled OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.31–1.87, P < 0.001). Substantial between-study heterogeneity was observed (Q = 344.51, I² = 97.4%, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed significant age-related heterogeneity: preschoolers (0–6 years) showed a larger magnitude of association (OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.44–3.98), whereas the association in school-age children and adolescents (>6 years) was of smaller magnitude (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05–1.29).

Passive TV/video viewing showed a higher point estimate of ADHD risk (OR = 2.20) than interactive digital media (OR = 1.10), but the between-group difference did not reach statistical significance. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings.</p>Conclusions<p>Excessive screen exposure is significantly associated with elevated ADHD risk in children, with distinct age-specific and media type-specific patterns.

The preschool period appears to be a high-risk window for screen-related neurodevelopmental effects, with a trend toward stronger association for passive screen exposure. Public health and clinical interventions should prioritize restricting early screen exposure, particularly passive, fast-paced videos without substantial interaction.</p>