The use of digital media devices has become increasingly common among preschool children, establishing itself as a new habit during a critical phase of child development. Studies suggest that parents' behaviors regarding the use of these devices can influence their children's practices. Therefore, understanding this emerging behavioral reality is crucial for the effective implementation of interventions and public policies.

This research aimed to investigate whether there is a relationship between parents' daily screen time and the daily screen time of preschool children attending public daycare centers.

This is a cross-sectional, observational, quantitative study, which is part of a randomized clinical trial approved by the Research Ethics Committee, focusing on the influence of media on child development. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the authors regarding media use at home, with questions answered by the mother, father, or guardian. The questionnaire covered topics such as time and mode of use, devices used, the age at which the child first encountered each device, and biological and socioeconomic aspects. Children aged 24 to 42 months from two Municipal Early Childhood Education Centers, whose parents signed the Free and Informed Consent Form, were included. For statistical analysis purposes, the Spearman correlation test was applied to investigate the relationship between the variables and, subsequently, a simple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the influence of parents' screen time on children's screen time.

The sample consisted of 70 children and their respective parents/guardians, with a mean age of 33 months and no gender predominance. All children had exposure to media devices, spending an average of 160 minutes per day in front of screens. Regarding the guardians, more than 90% of the questionnaires were completed by mothers, who spent an average of 350 minutes per day using screens. A moderate correlation was found between children&apos;s screen time and parents&apos; screen time (p < 0.00; rs = 0.37). Maternal screen time accounted for 12.4% of the variation in children&apos;s screen time (R² = 0.124), indicating that parents&apos; screen time influences children&apos;s screen use behaviors at home.

Parents&apos; media use habits, particularly those of mothers, can directly influence the daily screen time of preschool children. Further research is suggested to explore other contextual factors that may influence children&apos;s screen time and their developmental consequences.

This study underscores the importance of educational programs that train families on how parental screen use habits can affect children&apos;s screen time. It also emphasizes the effects of excessive screen time and encourages healthy behaviors.