Antonia S. Alexieva
Therapist at the "Screen Children" Project, BG-2850 Petrich, petrich@screenchildren.com
For citation: Alexieva, A.S. (2025) Monodiets and the Spectrum of Eating Disorders in Children with Early Screen Addiction. Nootism 1(1), 102, ISSN 3033-1765
*This paper was presented by Antonia Alexieva at the Second Science Conference "Screen Children" on November 23, 2024, in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between early screen addiction and eating disorders in children aged 3 to 7 years, focusing on the prevalence of monodiets—a restrictive eating pattern where children limit their food intake to a narrow selection of items. With the increasing presence of screen devices in children's daily lives, early screen addiction has been linked to various negative outcomes, including disruptions in eating habits and food selectivity.
The study explores how prolonged exposure to screen devices contributes to selective eating, food neophobia (fear of new foods), and emotional eating, often triggered by media influence and reduced social interactions. Data collected through a parent survey of 144 children reveal a strong correlation between increased screen time and restricted food preferences, with children exposed to higher screen use showing a lower willingness to try new foods and a greater likelihood of preferring calorie-dense, processed foods advertised in digital media.
Findings indicate that screen time disrupts natural eating behaviors by impairing children's appetite regulation, increasing their preference for digital distraction during meals, and reinforcing selective eating patterns. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) confirms a significant association between high screen time and negative changes in dietary habits, including avoidance of essential food groups such as vegetables, fruits, and proteins. Additionally, excessive screen exposure is linked to gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, constipation, and stomach pain, further impacting children's overall health.
Keywords: screen addiction, monodiets, eating disorders, selective eating, food neophobia, emotional eating