Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Independent Study
Professor Akerman
Does the amount of screen time affect the mental health of preschool-aged children? In
today’s society, electronic devices are all around us such as smartphones, tablets, computers and
many more (Stiglic & Viner, 2019). With easy access to so many devices children are being
exposed to much more screen time. In my paper, the term screen time will refer to the amount of
time a child is exposed to media. I will be studying the mental health effects of both depression
and anxiety on preschool-aged children ages 2-5. I will also discuss what anxiety and depression
are and how it is developed within young children, including how increased screen time makes
both more prevalent within them. Although electronic devices such as iPads are entertaining and
a good way to occupy time for preschool-aged children, it is not always beneficial to their mental
health. Creating programs and boundaries both on electronic devices and in physical activity can
be healthy for a preschool-aged child’s daily life. Spending more time involved in physical
activities can result in better mental health with less depression and anxiety in youth (Pizzo,
Drobinin, Sandstrom, Zwicker, Vallis, Fine,... & Pavlova, 2020). My research question is
whether the amount of screen time affects preschool-aged children’s mental health, specifically
Screen Media
From birth, infants and toddlers’ main source for everything are their parents/caregivers
since they are unable to make decisions for themselves. Parents/caregivers' daily actions affect
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their children as well, especially with the interaction between media exposure. This means that
before they are at the age where they can go to school, their home environment is crucial to their
lives. Emond et al., (2018) goal in this study was to quantify the relationships between household
chaos and screen use in preschool-aged children. In many homes the environment and daily
behaviors of children have an impact on their media exposure and result in negative mental and
physical effects. Household chaos in the study refers to increased levels of confusion,
disorganization and hurriedness (Emond et al., 2018). Parents were recruited for the study
through social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and were conducted by
an online survey for 385 parents with children ages 2-5 years old. After being recruited, parents
then completed a series of questions in reference to their child’s typical daily screen use. Related
to household chaos, phrases such as, “We almost always seem to be rushed, You can’t hear
yourself think in our home and No matter how hard we try we always seem to be late” could be
used (Emond et al., 2018, p. 3). Of those examples parents were asked to rate on a 4-point scale
which they related, 4 being “very much” to 1 being “not at all”. The nine screen activities in the
study included watching shows/movies, playing or engaging with apps, viewing videos or clips
(other than shows or movies online, e.g, youtube), video calls, listening to streaming music,
browsing or reading electronic books/magazines, playing video games on the internet, engaging
in social media and browsing websites (Emond et al., 2018). For each screen activity selected,
parents reported the average time spent by their children engaged in that activity. The amount of
time spent using screen media before bed was also recorded. In addition to the child using the
screens individually in their bedrooms. Other factors that were significant to the study were the
parents' education level, household income, home ownership status and the amount of children
under the age of 12 and adolescents (12-17) who also live in the home. It’s important to know
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the details of parents' personal information such as education level and household income
because it has an influence on how the media plays in the child’s life. Consequently, the child's
age, race, gender, and ethnicity was also used. For example, children from the highest quartile of
household chaos were 69% more likely to use screens compared to those children in the lowest
In the final sample of the study, the average age for children was 3.3 years old, half of the
children were female and most were white and non-hispanic. Although it is advised by the AAP
that preschool-aged children engage in no more than an hour of screen time. While children in
the U.S engage in nearly 2.5 times the recommended limit (Emond et al., 2018). As a result of
the participants, children spent an average of 31 hours per week engaged with screens. That is a
very large number weekly for preschool aged children to be engaging in screen media use. The
household chaos taken place as reported by parents is well associated with children's exposure to
screen time. The accelerated amount of screen time used on children corresponds as well to other
issues concerning the child such as obesity, negative impacts on sleep, language development,
gross motor skill development and socialization (Emond et al., 2018). Parents that live in a more
chaotic household were more likely to be less strict in monitoring and managing media use for
their children (Emond et al., 2018). Furthermore, reasons as to why early exposure of screen use
for preschool-aged children are negative is because it disrupts the interaction between children
and parent engagement and interaction and play with other children. To conclude their study,
under these circumstances, household chaos is indeed associated with increased total screen use.
not can raise the risk factors of obesity, delaying and disrupting sleep which is significant during
this age, as well as more internalized behaviors such as attentional or behavioral. The decisions
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and skills of the caregivers or parents greatly affect the child. Since there are many long term
effects of screen use in preschool-aged children it is essential to intervene and change chaotic
Along with the home environment being a factor to children’s relationship with screen-
media use, television is the amongst the most used medium for young children. If a parent
decides to limit a child’s access to it they can easily replace a cell phone, gaming system or tablet
for it (Robidoux et al., 2019). According to Robidux et al., (2019) there is a relationship between
increased screen time and greater risk of physical health complications, mental health, and
negative outcomes on cognitive, language, and emotional development. They encourage having
interventions and screenings to reduce unhealthy media use in children. Parental education on
for at-risk media use, and provide parental education as well as recommend interventions when
indicated,” (Robidoux et al., 2019). The more knowledge a parent/guardian has on media use the
more they can guide their children on having healthy habits for it. A randomised control group
that evaluated an intervention to reduce television viewing for preschool aged children 2.6-5.5
occurred. Before being in the intervention group, children viewed 11.9 hours of television a
week (Robidux et al., 2019). In one group which was intervention children received a seven-
session program to reduce screen-media use. While children in the second group received
information pertaining to safety and injury prevention. The intervention was successful because
parents then reported a decrease in television, which went down to 8.8 hours daily. On the other
hand, the control group’s daily time spent on television increased significantly to 15.6 hours
(Robidoux et al., 2019). To successfully reduce a child’s exposure to screen time all adults such
as caregivers, parents as well as pediatricians need to be educated to both the pros and cons of it.
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They have a unique opportunity and responsibility to decrease children’s high screen time usage
Additionally, Sharkins, Newton, Albaiz & Ernest (2015) examined the long term effects
of media, technology, and screen time (MeTS) on young children. The study they conducted uses
caregivers and guardians that young children are around daily such as parents and teachers of
preschool-aged children. Positive outcomes of MeTS on young children is that it can expand
children's knowledge (Sharkins et al., 2015). Today young children are constantly exposed to
media, technology, and screen time whether at home or not. Sharkins et al., (2015) is trying to
decide whether children should or should not be exposed to any media instead of how much
media is too much when they are exposed. “Studies reveal that children as young as two will
naturally interact with a touch screen in the same way they will use natural instincts to play with
a new toy,” (Sharkins et al., 2015). This evidence suggests that the natural interaction between
children and technology has become just as natural as playing with physical toys.
Although the introduction of technology to children can be positive with knowledge and
development skills, there are many downsides to their exposure. For example, exposure to
media, technology, and screen time have been shown to increase obesity, aggressive and violent
well as nightmares and sleep disturbances (Sharkins et al., 2015). The more time preschool-aged
children spend on technology and media the less time they have to engage in physical activity
which can both reduce obesity and decrease the onset of mental health issues. In the study,
caregivers and parents were surveyed 1-4 from strongly disagree to strongly agree views
concerning young children's exposure. Both parents and teachers agree that there are many issues
pertaining to young children’s exposure to media, technology, and screen time. Children’s
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interaction with METS should be interactive and have discussions with parents and peers in
order to be effective (Sharkins et al., 2015). A recommendation is that teachers should make
more efforts to make appropriate types of media, technology, and screen time that the children in
According to McDonald, Kehler and Tough (2018) having at least one hour of screen
time of any type of media was associated with an increase of behavioral problems for children
who are two years old. In other words, the more screen time children are exposed to the more
behavior problems they will experience. This is proven by the AAP (American Association of
Pediatrics) as well as recommendations from the Canadian Pediatric Society. More screen media
time has resulted in obesity, sleep behaviors, delays in language development and many more
issues in young children (McDonald et al., 2018). The purpose of their study was to identify risk
factors for delayed social-emotional and behavioral problems for children ages two years old.
While television is the most actively used screen media technology, it is important to recognize
the growing number of tablets, smartphones and computers that preschool aged children view
daily. Issues concerning behaviors and social-emotional delays are a result of negative outcomes
at school age, poorer social functioning, academic difficulties and continued behavior problems
(McDonald et al., 2018). McDonal et al., (2018) add that when parents/caregivers are able to
identify children with delayed social emotional problems early they can have strategies to reduce
them before the child enters school. The earlier a problem is identified the quicker it is to solve it
before it worsens.
In their study, mothers were given a comprehensive questionnaire and children (two
years old) were tested on their behavior and competence outcomes from the Brief-Toddler Social
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and Emotional assessment (McDonal et al., 2018). As a result, 13% of children two years old
were identified to have delayed social-emotional development and 15% had possible behavior
problems (McDonald et al., 2018). It was found that many of the predictors of children at age
two with behavior problems were due to the mothers issues while pregnant and 2 years
postpartum. In addition, being a parent is not an easy task especially while balancing work and
other responsibilities. Mothers who reported, “it is difficult most or all of the time” to balance
everything were more likely to have a child with behavior and delayed social-emotional
balancing life may experience depression, stress, anxiety and lower life satisfaction. While trying
to juggle other responsibilities it becomes common for parents to use screen media as a
distraction to do other things. The environment and actions of the child’s parents at a young age
greatly affect their social-emotional development and behaviors. McDonald et al., (2018) state,
“These findings linking maternal optimism to improved coping with stress and positive parenting
practices may help to explain how maternal optimism may play a role in children's behavioral
development.” Meaning, the stress and different ways of parenting for a mother can further
explain the role they have in their children's later development. Their observation also found that
Also exposure to screens and maternal coping were directed to child behavior. Based on what a
child is being exposed to on screen media in addition to observing struggles from their mother it
can likely reflect their behavior. In conclusion, McDonald et al., (2018) found that most children
with poor behavior and social-emotional problems were formed from their development at two
years old. Furthermore, recommendations they added were for mothers of young children who
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experience poor mental health should join support groups within their communities to improve
their overall mental health so that they can improve their childrens as well.
For children who have grown up surrounded by any form of digital media, screentime is
a major part of contemporary lifestyle. Although it is a part of our lives there have been many
concerns on the health as already mentioned and can impact preschool-aged children. Negative
effects of screen time are obesity, displacement of time available for physical activity, low mood
(Stiglic & Viner, 2019). Due to the concerns of screentime for children the AAP (2016)
recommended limiting screen time for children 2-5 years old to 1 hour per day. This has to do
with young children’s difficulties in differentiating between the sedentary elements of screentime
from the content watched on screens (Stiglic & Viner, 2019). Their goal was to examine the
effects screen time has on the health and the well-being of young children. In their method for
research they had 13 reviews of how screen time affects children. Their results showed us that
six reviews considered the association of screen time (obesity), three for diet and energy intake,
seven for mental health related outcomes including self-esteem and life quality, four of
cardiovascular risk, four for fitness, three for sleep and one for each pain and asthma (Stiglic &
Viner, 2019). In 3/3 studies reported there was a positive association between screen time with
depressive symptoms and found moderate evidence for a positive association between screen
time and the severity of anxiety symptoms. In addition there is still more research to be done due
to the lack of clear evidence on both anxiety and depression. For depressive symptoms it has also
been reported that higher symptoms were associated with less than or equal to two hours of
screen time daily. In conclusion, amongst the many symptoms related to higher levels of
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The relationships children have with their parents are crucial for this age and the rest of
their childhood development. Whether parents co-view with their children, how they talk and
play with them, and overall their formal relationship. In this next section, we learn how child-
parent interactions impact increased screen time and mental health effects on children as well.
According to Lampard, Jurkowshi, and Davidson (2012) parents who restrict their
children's TV time, rules of TV viewing and overall TV time is associated with less TV use
among preschool-aged children. Children to low-income families are more at risk for increasing
TV viewing and obesity. An influence of media use for children does include the income of the
family and most children of low family income have a higher risk of being exposed to more
media, compared to a child who is from a high family income. A parent of a high income family
can afford for their children to do more activities outside of the house, thus spending less time on
screens. Lampard et al., (2012) hypothesized that the more knowledge parents/caregivers have
on the health risks of child screen time and less positive attitudes of screen time are associated
The 147 participants of this study included parents/caregivers of children ages 2-6 years
old. Parents completed surveys about themselves which included parents age, sex, relationship to
the child, and ethnicity. On average parents were 31 years old and the majority were women.
Lastly, parents were primarily white and overweight or obese, with 25% of children also
overwieght or obese (Lampard et al., 2012). Children included in the study were an average of 3
years old. In addition to the parent restriction of the child’s screen time, parent and child screen
time, and other relevant social-cognitive factors were acknowledged. The restriction of parents
screen time of children was rated from a 4-point scale, 1 being strongly disagree and 4 being
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strongly agreeing. The three items were “I limit how long my child can watch TV or DVDs each
day”, “I limit how long my child plays video games'' and “I make sure that my child watches TV,
plays video games, or uses the computer for no more than 2 hours per day [in total]” (Lampard et
al., 2012). As stated by the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) children’s TV viewing
should not consist of more than 2 hours daily. TV viewing factors that are necessary to children's
development are parent-child co-viewing, discussion of program content and rules regarding the
timing and content of viewing (Lampard et al., 2012). In like manner, parents were to report the
average time that they and their preschool-aged child spend in (1) watching TV, DVDs or
videos, (2) playing video games and (3) using the computer for leisure on a typical weekday or
weekend.
As a result of this study, the average screen time for parents/caregivers was 249 minutes
per day (4 hours, 15 minutes) and for the child was 174 minutes per day (2 hours, 9 minutes).
Only 30% of parents strongly agreed to the statement regarding making sure that the child
watched TV, played video games or used the computer for no longer than 2 hours daily.
Additionally, half of the parents/caregivers agreed that children watching TV for more than 2
hours a day increased their risk of obesity. This evidence further supports the claims made by the
AAP of children being exposed to more than recommended viewing. Majority (63%) of the
parents/caregivers felt either “fairly” or “very” confident that they could limit the amount of time
their child spends on screens. For this reason, an increase in restriction of screen time for
preschool-aged children was associated with having children exposed to less screen time.
Consequently, as Lampard et al., (2012) hypothesized previously for low-income parents that the
more self-efficacy (an individual's confidence in their behavior, reflects their performance) they
had on restricting screen time for children and believed the importance of doing so was
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associated with less screen use in preschool-aged children. In spite of the health risks that screen
use has on children, low-income parents beliefs were not in correlation to restricting child screen
time. Significantly, self-efficacy was a more important target of restriction of screen time. Many
times parents will use children’s screen time to tend to other duties. Which corresponds to the
more a child is exposed to screen time, the more time parents have to do other activities. With
this in mind, parents who have a low-income may be dealing with chronic stressors of financial
hardship, poor mental health, or food insecurity (Lampard et al., 2012). To conclude, the increase
time children will spend on screens which will positively affect their mental and physical health.
As demonstrated from the previous evidence, parents and home life have a big influence
on their children's time associated with media. Also to note that the mental and physical well-
being of a parent is just as important to those of the childs. When a parent is mentally stable and
physically healthy it makes a path for their children to be also, even at a young age. Now that we
have established both screen media use and the impacts it has on children, we can move forward
with how anxiety and depression are results of increased screen use as well.
Anxiety disorders across the lifespan demonstrate some of the strongest stability of any
disorders, it has an early age of onset and is associated with moderate to marked life impairment
(Edwards & Rapee, 2010). Even Though anxiety symptoms are common in preschool-aged
children and can lead to greater impairments, it is still rare that they are referred for treatment
(Edwards & Rapee, 2010). It is disappointing with the lack of help and research preschool-aged
children receive for anxiety, because if it is detected early on there can be treatment done so that
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By 2030, The World Health Organization predicts that internalized problems such as
depression and anxiety will be second to HIV/AIDS (Beatson et al., 2014). Internalized problems
affect 1 in 7 school aged children that impact their peer relationships, school engagement and
mental health (Beatson et al., 2014). Parental recognition of their child’s difficulties is an
important step towards seeking professional help for children. Cool Little Kids is the only
preschool-age prevention program to prevent anxiety disorders in young kids.With a name such
as Cool Little Kids, the program is meant to make those children with anxiety symptoms feel
symptoms and leisure time, such as spending time on screens. Young children are appearing to
be vulnerable to negative socio-cognitive outcomes from heavy screen use compared to teens.
To add Njoroge & Bernhardt (2011) highlight information regarding the assessment of
behavioral disorders in preschool-aged children. They state that according to the US Department
of Health and Human Services, one in five children have a diagnosable mental disorder and 10%
of preschoolers are diagnosed with mental health disorders that impair their functioning. In
addition, Njoroge & Bernhardt (2011) demonstrate that early detection and identification of
behavioral disorders is beneficial for young children. The result of taking longer to detect may
result in emotional and behavioral disturbances within the first five years of life or even worsen
during preschool years and adolescence. The measures used in this study to formulate the
pathology in preschoolers were both dimensional and categorical systems (Njoroge & Bernhardt,
2011). In addition, tests were guided by structured interviews, comprehensive assessments and
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Techniques often used include checklists and questionnaires, such as Child Behavior
Checklist (CBCL) and Preschool Feelings Checklist (Njoroge & Bernhardt, 2011). The
preschoolers ages 3-5 years old (Njoroge & Bernhardt, 2011). Having tools such as these are
beneficial since it is difficult to distinguish depression symptoms from a younger child rather
than an adolescent or adult. Having children assess and analyze their own feelings and emotions
are just as important as an adult doing so for them. Another consideration that can be accounted
for behavioral disorders in preschool-aged children are their relationships with family. Njoroge
& Bernhardt (2011) explain that a key factor of evaluation of a preschooler is the direct
observation of the child alone as well as interacting with parents in both structured and
unstructured settings. “And understanding the importance of observation of the child’s behaviors
and how they change in different contexts and with different relationships,” (Njoroge &
Bernhardt, 2011, p 89).The relationship and interaction between a child and parent are significant
influences to a child’s mental health, especially at a young age. Parents/caregivers are the
individuals guiding and teaching the child everything they need to know, until they can do so and
make decisions on their own. The Ages & Stages Questionnaire is a screening tool for the
identify social, emotional or behavioral difficulties (Njoroge & Bernhardt, 2011). Diagnostic
Infant Preschool Assessment (DISPA) which is similar to PAPA, evaluates multiple symptoms
conduct disorder, anxiety disorders and both major depression and sleep disorders (Njoroge &
Bernhardt, 2011).
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Njoroge & Bernhardt’s (2011) purpose of this study was to guide parents/caregivers to
take precautionary measures for their children. The focus of the article was to inform readers on
principles of mental health include understanding your child’s behaviors in different settings
with different caregivers. Then, coming to the realization that your child across different settings
and interactions have many stand out factors. These may include language delays, cognitive
The global pandemic of COVID-19 was a difficult time for many people of all ages who
were dealing with uncertainty as well as trying to stay healthy and safe. Especially for young
children, who were not fully aware of what was going on. To them it was an excuse to stay home
from school and interact with screen-media for longer periods of time. Although this may sound
good to some, along with the pandemic there became an increase of mental health issues in
According to Werling, Walitza, & Drechsler (2021) during the devastating outbreak of
COVID-19, families around the country were forced to stay indoors and continue their daily
routines of work and school. This meant that many kids of all ages were forced to spend more
time than usual in front of a screen for educational purposes. The COVID-19 outbreak and
lockdown are connected to having many consequences on mental health (Werling et al., 2021).
Mental health in young children is not a subject that has much background information, which
should because it is very common and active in young children. Assessing behavioral disorders
in young children and how they affect their lives for parents/caregivers can be very beneficial for
them so they can identify them early on. Parents and family life play a large role as well in
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preschool aged children’s mental health. Although the amount of screen time a child is exposed
to correlates to their mental health, parents/caregivers are responsible for setting boundaries and
rules for their children. Due to preschool-aged children being so young and still developing both
mentally and physically, they can’t take much responsibility for their actions and how it will
affect them later on in life. This is why it is crucial for parents/caregivers to be knowledgeable
for their child’s sake. In addition, parents should also be cautious and aware of their own actions
and relationships with screen time because their actions affect their childrens. This includes an
“excessive and potentially harmful increase in screen media use,” (Werling et al., 2021).
Now that we are aware of how screen media use can affect preschool-aged children’s
mental health with anxiety and depression symptoms. Parents/caregivers who are still in need of
guidance for their children can look into the recommendations that are followed. At this point in
a child’s life interaction and engagement during media intake is essential for their continued
development.
Recommendations
Some ways in which children can use screen media effectively is by creating systems
with parents/caregivers. As suggested by Ontario et al., (2019) healthy digital use can be
promoted when family members remember the four M’s. The first, is managing screen use, this
can be done by being present and engaged when screens are in use, co-viewing and discussing
content with children. In addition, learn about parental controls and privacy settings and speak
proactively about what acceptable and unacceptable online behaviors are (Ontario et al.,2019).
Second is meaningful, parents can promote meaningful behaviors by prioritizing daily routines
throughout the day; interacting face-to-face, sleeping and completing some form of physical
activities over screen use. Also, being a part of your children’s media lives such as joining in
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during video game play and asking about their encounters and online experiences. Furthermore,
advocating for schools and other child-care centers to develop their own plan for media use. It is
important to promote having both screen media plans at school and at home (Ontario et al.,
2019). Modeling healthy screen use is encouraging parents to be aware of their own actions and
habits with screen media, encouraging “screen-free” times where digital devices are prohibited
such as family dinners and reminding parents to tell their children to avoid using screens 1 hour
before bedtime (Ontario et al., 2019). The last M, monitor, monitoring for signs of problematic
screen use for any age. For example, parents should look out for any screens that interfere with
sleep, school, or face-to-face interactions, also screen use that interferes with offline play,
physical activity or socializing. Be cautious of any negative emotions by your children following
online interactions or playing video games (Ontario et al., 2019). Taking these recommendations
into consideration for parents and their children can positively impact their screen time and also
Conclusion
In conclusion, the amount of screen time a preschool-aged child interacts with does
negatively affect their mental health and can result in depression and anxiety. Throughout my
research in this study I have been able to successfully answer my research question. When
preschool-aged children engage in screen-media for longer than 2 hours daily, their mental health
will be affected and can lead to anxiety and depression symptoms. As the evidence validates
preschool-aged children's relationship with screen media use has a tremendous effect on their
daily lives.While playing games and watching videos on the devices may be fun and entertaining
for children and a way to occupy time for parents, is it really worth it? For parents who do not
have the proper education and information on what screen media can do for their children, would
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they still allow them to use the devices if they were better informed? For myself and the new
material I have learned while doing this research, I can say that I will be more proactive when
the time comes of my own children’s relationship to screen-media. For preschool-aged children
and other children it is not worth the serious long-term effects. Disorders such as anxiety and
depression are very serious and must not be treated lightly. To prevent those disorders as well as
obesity, lack of sleep, language delays and more negative impacts of screen media-use sticking
to the AAP’s (2016) guidelines can be helpful. Moreso, creating family plans for limitations on
digital devices can be a good engagement and bonding experience. Children ages 2-5 years old
spend most of their time in school and participating in physical activities so their screen-media
use should not exceed the time they spend doing other necessary actions. Parental recognition
and observation of their child’s behaviors and actions are a large factor of prevention. Such as
the phrase, ‘when you know better you do better’ for all parents and caregivers who now know
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