The impact of screen exposure on early literacy skills of preschool children: the mediation of parental media intervention

Introduction: This study investigates the impact and mechanisms of screen media use on early language development in preschoolers. Methods: Via questionnaires with 516 parents of 3-6-year-olds in China, we examined children's screen exposure and early literacy levels, then constructed a model to explore parental media intervention as a mediator. Results: Results showed: entertainment-based screen activities significantly negatively predicted early literacy, while educational use had a weak positive correlation; entertainment activities indirectly affected literacy through parental intervention, with mediating effects ranked as restrictive > educational active > caretaking active intervention. Discussion: Findings reveal how technology and family microsystems influence early literacy, offering tailored guidance for parents on screen use.