Problematic internet use in children according to maternal depression trajectories: A population-based cohort study with 9-year follow-up

We investigated the association between maternal depression trajectories from pregnancy until 2 years postpartum, and problematic internet use in children at nine years of age. A total of 1132 mother-child pairs from the Panel Korea Study for Children were used. Maternal depression was assessed repeatedly using the Kessler scale (K-scale) (during pregnancy, and at 6, 12, and 24 months of age). Problematic internet use was assessed in children 9 years old using the K-scale. The children's behavioral problems were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist at nine years old. Latent profile analysis was used to identify the group trajectories of maternal depression. We compared the severity of problematic internet use of the children according to the maternal depression trajectories. We also identified behavioral problems in children with problematic internet use in each maternal depression trajectory. Trajectory analysis identified three group trajectories of maternal depression: no symptoms (n = 478), mild symptoms (n = 534), and moderate symptoms (n = 120). The mild and moderate maternal depression trajectory groups were more associated with high-risk internet use in 9-year-old children compared to the non-depressed group. In children with high-risk internet use, more severe behavioral problems were reported when their mothers had depression. Maternal depression up to two years after childbirth affected problematic internet use in middle childhood. •The effect of maternal depression on problematic internet use in children was investigated.•In children with depressed mothers, the level of problematic internet use was more severe.•There were more behavioral problems in high-risk internet users with depressed mothers.