Young children and screen time: it is more complex than you think This thesis explores the relationship between children and screen time from a different angle. It does not simple label screen time as harmful or as the result of poor habits. Instead, it shows how children’s screen use emerges from a complex web of causes, consequences, and their interactions. Using a systems thinking approach, the research maps out how various factors influence and reinforce each other or sometimes help restore balance. These interactions were visualised in a causal loop diagram (CLD) which demonstrates that screen use is not just about individual choices. It reflects the broader environments in which children grow up. So far, research and guidelines have mostly focused on the outcomes of screen time, without addressing the deeper patterns or mechanisms behind it. However, better understanding these dynamics can help families manage screen time more effectively and realistically. By moving beyond simple solutions and adopting a systems lens, this thesis lays the groundwork for smarter policies and meaningful support. It advocates for screen time guidelines that reflect the real-life challenges families face, empowering them with more context-sensitive and sustainable strategies.