The relationship between functional brain organization and self-reported digital screen engagement in late childhood

The idea that the increased ubiquity of digital devices negatively impacts neurodevelopment is as compelling as it is disturbing. The proposed study will investigate this concern by systematically evaluating how different profiles of screen-based engagement relate to functional brain organization in late childhood. Participants will be drawn from a large and representative sample of young people participating in the first wave of the ABCD study (ages 9-12 years). Of interest are the relations between self-reported use of various digital screen technologies and functional brain organization. These relationships will then be related to functional outcomes associated with mental health and cognition. The corresponding analytic plan was designed and executed using the first released sample of the initial wave of ABCD data (baseline n=4521). We will then test the replicability of our results on those participants included in the second release of the initial wave of ABCD data. Of principle interest are two hypotheses: First, that functional brain organization (assessed through resting state functional connectivity MRI; rs-fcMRI) is related to digital screen engagement; and second, that children with higher rates of engagement will have functional brain organization profiles related to maladaptive functioning. Results will be interpreted in light of the ongoing scientific, policy, and public debate concerning digital devices and their effect on children’s cognitive development. We will extend our findings to ultimately inform professional screen time recommendations, our understanding of brain development, and empirical investigations of child functioning in the age of open science.