Daily Screen Time Research Articles

Asociación entre el tiempo de pantalla recreativo y el exceso de peso y la obesidad medidos con tres criterios diferentes entre residentes en España de 2-14 años

Introduction and objectiveStudies that assess the association between excess weight and screen time in childhood and adolescence are methodologically heterogeneous, and few studies have analysed the exposure to smartphones and tablets. Our study aimed to assess the association between daily recreational screen time and excess weight (overweight+obesity) and obesity in children aged 2-14 years residing in Spain using different sets of standards. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the 2017 Spanish National Health Survey (N=4528). We assessed the prevalence of overweight and obesity applying the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO), International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), and Orbegozo 2011 study. We categorised daily recreational screen time in minutes as 0–59, 60–119, 120–179, and ≥180. We calculated crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) of excess weight and obesity based on the daily minutes of recreational screen time with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Moreover, we calculated crude and adjusted change (aΔ) in the expected number of fulfilled excess weight/obesity criteria based on the minutes of daily recreational screen time with the corresponding 95% CI. We adjusted the association analyses for potential confounders. ResultsWe found that spending 180min or more a day of recreational screen time was associated with an increase in the adjusted prevalence of excess weight (e.g. Orbegozo 2011 aPR≥180, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.02–1.42) and of obesity (e.g. IOTF aPR≥180, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.06–1.86) as well as an increase in the adjusted number of fulfilled criteria for excess weight (aΔ≥180, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.06–1.31). ConclusionsLonger periods of recreational screen time were associated with excess weight and obesity in children aged 2–14 years. Cohort studies are required to confirm these findings, as this may be a determinant of health in children.

Electronic media use and food intake in Thai toddlers

ObjectivesViewing electronic media at mealtime is a common coping strategy for feeding difficulties, but its impact on food consumption is not known. We studied the prevalence of electronic media use at mealtime, its association with food intake, and associated factors. Methods138 healthy 18- to 30-month-old children were classified according to the presence of feeding difficulties using the Thai language version of the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale. Electronic media use and 3-day food intake history were collected. Each child's mean energy intake and time spent eating were compared between meals consumed with and without electronic media. Results58% of children watched electronic media while eating. Children with feeding difficulties ingested significantly more energy per meal when they watched media (184.0 ± 104.0 vs 152.7 ± 67.0, p = 0.04). Children without feeding difficulties spent significantly more minutes per meal when watching media (29.9 ± 10.1 vs 26.2 ± 7.6, p = 0.001). Longer total daily screen time (p < 0.001) and presence of feeding difficulties (p = 0.006) were associated with regular media use. Children who regularly used media at mealtime were significantly more likely to have a BMI-for-age z score classification as obese (16.7% VS 0.9%, p < 0.001). ConclusionMedia use during feeding is associated with greater energy intake and longer meal duration. Thai children who regularly use media at mealtime were significantly more likely to be obese. Children with longer total daily screen time, and those with feeding difficulties are more likely to regularly use media at mealtime.

Associations between the neighbourhood social environment and preschool children’s physical activity and screen time

BackgroundThe neighbourhood social environment (NSE) has been associated with physical activity and screen time behaviours in adults and youth however less is known about this relationship in preschool-aged children (2–5 years). This study seeks to explore associations between the NSE and the physical activity and screen time behaviours of preschool-aged children.MethodCross-sectional data was collected in 2019. Parents (n = 214) of preschool-aged children (m = 3.8 ± 0.8 years), from 187 different Australian postcodes representing all states and territories were invited to complete an online survey where they answered questions about their NSE (perceived social cohesion, social interaction, sense of community, social norms and neighbourhood crime) and proxy-reported their child’s usual physical activity and screen time (minutes/day). Two hierarchical linear regressions were run separately to assess relationships between NSE predictor variables and physical activity and screen time. Three logistic regressions were run to determine associations between NSE constructs and the likelihood of meeting: 1) physical activity (≥ 180 min/day including ≥ 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity), 2) screen time (≤ 60 min/day) and 3) both physical activity and screen time guidelines. Child age, gender, childcare attendance, and neighbourhood level socioeconomic status (SES) were controlled for in all analyses.ResultsSocial interaction was associated with increased daily physical activity (b = 17.76, 95%CI = 0.81, 34.71), decreased daily screen time (b = -12.77, 95%CI = -23.23, -2.23) and improved the likelihood of meeting physical activity (OR = 1.81, 95%CI = 1.20, 2.75) and combined physical activity and screen time guidelines (OR = 1.51, 95%CI = 1.03, 2.21). Higher neighbourhood crime was associated with a lower likelihood of meeting screen time guidelines (OR = 0.47, 95%CI = 0.47, 0.99). Social cohesion, sense of community and social norms were not statistically significant predictors of daily physical activity, screen time or meeting guidelines.ConclusionSocial interaction showed the most consistent associations with physical activity and screen time. Future research should consider potential mediators of this relationship, including parental facilitation of children’s outdoor time. Improving understanding of the relationship between the NSE and physical activity and screen time in young children can help to guide community-based initiatives striving to optimise behavioural, health and social outcomes.

0023 Screen Time and Insomnia Symptoms in University Students

Abstract Introduction Prior research has demonstrated a relationship between screen time and sleep health, but more work is needed to understand the potential impact of reason for screen time and timing (i.e., weekend vs. weekday). This study aimed to determine whether screen time, and reason for use, was associated with insomnia symptoms in a sample of university students during the school term. Further, we sought to determine whether effects differed by weekend/weekday. Methods Participants were 767 enrolled students from two universities (age x̄=20.94 [SD=5.25]; 74% women). Insomnia symptoms were assessed with the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI); screen time was a self-report of average daily screen time for a variety of purposes (productivity, social media, streaming media, browsing the internet, or video games) on weekdays/workdays and weekends/off days. Results A total of 16.4% of the sample had insomnia symptoms in the clinical range (ISI x̄=9.1 [SD=5.3]). Participants reported 10.0 hours (SD=4.5) of screen time per day on weekdays and 10.8 hours (SD=5.2) per day on weekends. During the week, the most screen time (44%; x̄=4.4 [SD=2.6] hours/day) was spent on productivity (work or school). On weekends, the most screen time (30%; x̄=3.3 [SD=2.1] hours/day) was spent on streaming media. More screen time on the weekends was associated with greater insomnia symptoms (r=.10, p=.004), but not during the week (r=.05, p=.185). Regression analyses indicated weekend screen time accounted for 2% of the variance in insomnia symptoms, and this relationship was driven by screen time for productivity (beta=.09, p=.017) and video games (beta=.09, p=.019). Conclusion Among university students, self-reported screen time during the week was not associated with elevated insomnia symptoms. Weekend screen time, particularly for the purpose of productivity and video games, was associated with elevated insomnia symptoms though the effect was small. Although screen time is often highlighted as a key contributor to poor sleep health, this impact was minimal in the current study. Future work should continue to examine whether different motivations for screen time is associated with various facets of sleep health, and delineate these associations by weekend vs. weekday. Support (If Any) None

Investigation of Screen Time and Symptom Severity in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Objective: Screen-based media (e.g. television, computer, cell phone, tablet) has become an increasingly important part of our life. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are known to be interested in limited subjects and highly attracted to screens. The purpose of this study is to investigate the time of screen use in newly diagnosed children with ASD and the association between screen time and symptom severity of ASD. Methods: The symptom severity of ASD was determined using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Information concerning socio-demographic characteristics, clinical data, and frequency and duration of children’s screen exposure since birth were collected during clinical interviews from the primary caregivers. Linear regression analysis was performed to examine the associated factors on symptom severity of ASD. Results: In our study, it was found that children with ASD use screens at an earlier age and for a longer period of time when compared to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Also, our results indicated that longer daily screen time and longer periods of no interaction during screen time &lt;24 months, &gt;1 h ⁄ day were associated with the symptom severity of ASD. Discussion: This study suggests that longer daily screen time in early childhood might increase the symptom severity of ASD. These results support that appropriate guidance and education for parents on how to optimize the benefits and potential harms of screen use may be a substantial preventive mental and public health service to support the socio-emotional development for early childhood.

High levels of screen time were associated with increased probabilities of lagged development in 3-year-old children.

This study determined whether higher screen time was associated with the development of 3-year-old children in Taiwan. It also examined whether differences would be found between television and other screen-based media in the probability of lagged development. We examined 2139 children aged 3years and their parents. The association between daily screen time was assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis. All the odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using the rates of lagged developmental achievement, with the group who used screens for less than 1h a day as the reference category. Screen time comprised television and other screen-based media, such as smartphones, touch screens, computers and laptops. Children who used screens for more than 3h per day had the lowest developmental scores and highest probabilities of lagged development. The children who used other screen-based media for more than 1h per day had greater probabilities of lagged developmental achievements (ORs 1.85-4.98, all p<0.05) than those who watched television for the same amount of time (OR 1.41-2.77, all p<0.05). Increased screen time was associated with higher probabilities of lagged developmental achievement in multiple development domains in 3-year-old children, particularly other screen-based media.

Factors Associated with the Suspected Delay in the Language Development of Early Childhood in Southern Thailand.

Many children have a suspected delay in language development and need extensive support from parents and the health care team. This study aimed to investigate the suspected delay in language development and the factors associated with the suspected delay in language development among early childhood in Southern Thailand. Children aged 24 to 60 months were recruited as study samples using stratified random sampling conducted in 23 districts and simple random sampling in 7 sections (425 children). The research instruments comprised demographic data on the children and families, the preschool temperament questionnaire, and the Language Development Screening questionnaire using the Developmental Surveillance and Promotion Manual and data collected from July 2020 to January 2021. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The results showed that the suspected delay in development was 40.9 percent. Daily screen time exceeding 2 h per day (AOR = 17.30, 95% CI: 7.35–40.72), and regarding a child’s temperament, moderate-to-difficult temperament (AOR = 9.56, 95% CI: 5.12–17.85) was significantly associated with the suspected delay in language development. Genders, gestational age of early childhood, and the age of the caregivers were not associated with the suspected delay in language development. The study suggested that a decrease in daily screen time and appropriate responses will help develop language in children.

Current situation of screen time among Chinese primary and middle school students from 2016 to 2017

To analyze and describe the status and characteristics of using electronic screens of primary and middle school students in China from 2016 to 2017. From 2016 to 2017, 275 monitoring points were selected from 31 provinces in China, and 280 primary and middle school students were selected from each monitoring point to complete the survey. Using the suggestion from "Healthy China Initiative(2019-2030)"of which the screen time of primary and middle school students should be less than one hour per day as the standard. A total of 74 314 primary and secondary school students(except grade 9 and grade 12) were included in this study. Among them, there were 37 147 boys(50.0%) and 37 167 girls(50.0%); 44 612 pupils(60.0%), 14 858 junior school students(20.0%), and 14 844 senior high school students(20.0%); 38 995(52.5%) rural students and 35 319(47.5%) urban students; 53 287 boarding students(71.7%) and 20 537 day students(27.6%). From 2016 to 2017, the average daily screen time of Chinese primary school students was 1.45 hours, M(P25, P75) was 1.14(0.57, 1.93) h. That of junior high school students was 1.92 hours, M(P25, P75) was 1.43(0.71, 2.48) h. That of senior high school students was 2.37 hours, M(P25, P75) was 1.71(0.90, 3.02) h. The average daily screen time qualified rates of primary school, junior high and senior high school students were 46.1%, 37.1% and 27.7%, respectively. From 2016 to 2017, the most used electronic screen products of primary school students in China were TV/videos(62%), followed by mobile phones(21%). Junior high school students spent 38% and 37% of the total time watching TV/videos and playing mobile phones, respectively. High school students spend the longest time using mobile phones(49%) of the total time, followed by watching TV/videos(26%). With the increasing of grade, screen time became longer, and screen time qualified rate dropped. Moreover, the most used electronic screens were mobile phones and TV/videos.

A Study on Human Behaviour during Covid-19 Pandemic among Indians

Abstract: COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) was the reason for causing a pandemic all over the world which created many problems and challenges for all countries. Increasing number of cases in every nation led the authorities of each country to put lockdown measures all over the nation. Although the lockdown implemented was to prevent the community from the spread of infection, but it had its own effect on mental as well as physical health and lifestyle of people. We devised a survey to focus on the physiological, psychological, and behavioural changes witnessed during the lockdown and to establish a correlation between the lockdown attributing to the negative changes developed during this period such as weight gain, increase in sleeping hours and screen time. All the data was gathered through a questionnaire via Google forms which was distributed to a substantial amount of people through social networking platforms. The responses received were 421 in total, which on analysis and comparison of the pre-lockdown and post-lockdown periods, showed trends like 58.5% people had increase in BMI, 33.9% people had increased more than 7 hours of daily screen time whereas 46.5% had a reduction of working hours down to less than 6 hours. Keywords: COVID-19, lockdown, BMI, working hours, screen time, sleeping time

Consumption of Added Sugar among Chinese Toddlers and Its Association with Picky Eating and Daily Screen Time.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between daily screen time, picky eating, and consumption frequency of sugared foods and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Methods: The research data came from the Young Investigation (YI) study conducted in 10 cities in China. This study used sociodemographic information, feeding behavior, picky eating reported by parents, and the consumption frequency of sugared foods and SSBs of 879 toddlers aged 1–3 years. The relationship between daily screen time and picky eating behavior was assessed using logistic regression. The zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) model was used to fit the consumption frequencies of sugared foods and SSBs. Results: In all, 13.1% (n = 115) of toddlers did not have sugared foods 1 month before the survey, while 73.3% (n = 644) of toddlers did not have SSBs 1 month before the survey. The consumption rate of sugared foods was relatively higher than SSBs (χ2 = 661.25, p < 0.001). After adjusting for social demographic information, no relationship was found between daily screen time and picky eating (OR = 1.437; 95% CI: 0.990,2.092). The ZINB model showed that, among children who ate sugared foods, children who were picky eaters ate them more often (IRR = 1.133; 95% CI: 1.095,1.172), but no association was found between picky eating and the chance of avoiding sugared foods (OR = 0.949; 95% CI: 0.613,1.471). Children who were picky eaters were less likely not to drink SSBs (OR = 0.664; 95% CI: 0.478,0.921). However, among children who consumed SSBs, picky eaters drank them less frequently (IRR = 0.599; 95% CI: 0.552,0.650). Children with a screen time of no less than 1 h/d ate sugared foods more frequently (IRR = 1.383; 95% CI: 1.164,1.644), and they were less likely to avoid sugared foods (OR = 0.223; 95% CI: 0.085,0.587). The longer the screen time per day was, the less likely children did not have SSBs (<1 h/d: OR = 0.272; 95% CI: 0.130, 0.569; ≥1 h/d: OR = 0.136; 95% CI: 0.057, 0.328). Conclusions: The consumption rate of sugared foods was higher than that of SSBs. Picky eating and daily screen time were related to the consumption frequency of added sugar among Chinese toddlers aged 1–3 years. Picky eaters consumed sugared foods more frequently and were more likely to drink SSBs. Children whose daily screen time reached 1 h/d were more likely to eat sugared foods and drink SSBs.

Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and screen time among youths with Down syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BackgroundThe COVID‐19‐related restrictions hampered habitual physical activity (PA), particularly affecting the more vulnerable, such as people with Down syndrome (DS). The study aimed to investigate changes in PA, sedentary behaviour (SB) and screen time (ST) of youths with DS, before, during and after the restrictions, also in relation to parental PA levels.MethodsA cross‐sectional design with a retrospective assessment of variables for the before and during restrictions periods was adopted. Parents of youths with DS completed an online questionnaire. Sociodemographic aspects, weekly PA levels and youths' daily SB and ST were investigated, referring to three time‐points: before the pandemic, during the restrictions and the restrictions‐easing phase.ResultsA total of 57 parents voluntarily participated in the study, proxy‐reporting on their child (male = 41, female = 16, age = 21.4 ± 7.7 years). A repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance showed negative effects of restrictions (P < 0.05) on PA levels, SB and ST, independently from sociodemographic characteristics. In the restrictions‐easing phase, PA levels did not return to before the pandemic values (P < 0.05). A positive correlation between parents and their child's PA was detected before the pandemic (r = 0.38; P < 0.01), no longer reported in the restrictions‐easing phase.ConclusionsThe findings showed the negative impact of restrictions on youths with DS lifestyle. Moreover, the importance of addressing the needs of the disabled community including the whole family is highlighted.

An examination of bedtime media and excessive screen time by Canadian preschoolers during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundRisky media use in terms of accumulating too much time in front of screens and usage before bedtime in early childhood is linked to developmental delays, reduced sleep quality, and unhealthy media use in later childhood and adulthood. For this reason, we examine patterns of media use in pre-school children and the extent to which child and family characteristics contribute to media use during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional study of digital media use by Canadian preschool-aged children (mean age = 3.45, N = 316) was conducted at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic between April and August of 2020. Parents completed a questionnaire and 24-h recall diary in the context of an ongoing study of child digital media use. From these responses we estimated hours of average daily screen time, screen time in the past 24 h, average daily mobile device use, and media use before bedtime. Parents also answered questions about their child (i.e., age, sex, temperament), family characteristics (parental mediation style, parental screen time, education, income), and contextual features of the pandemic (ex., remote work, shared childcare). Daycare closures were directly assessed using a government website.ResultsOur results indicate that 64% of preschoolers used more than 2 h of digital media hours/day on average during the pandemic. A majority (56%) of children were also exposed to media within the hour before bedtime. Logistic and multinomial regressions revealed that child age and temperament, restrictive parental mediation, as well as parent digital media use, education, satisfaction with the division of childcare, remote work, and number of siblings and family income were all correlates of risky digital media use by preschoolers.ConclusionsOur results suggest widespread risky media use by preschoolers during the pandemic. Parenting practices that include using more restrictive mediation strategies may foster benefits in regulating young children’s screen time.

The relationship of distance learning with ocular surface disorders in students in the COVID-19 pandemic.

PurposeTo evaluate ocular surface disorders in students whose daily screen time increased due to distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsEighty-eight eyes of 44 cases were included in this cross-sectional study. The distance learning students with complaints of redness, stinging, and increased blinking were evaluated. Biomicroscopic examination findings, spherical equivalent, keratometry values, and average daily average screen time were recorded. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) survey and non-contact tear film breakup time (BUT) assessment (Topcon CA-800) were performed.ResultsForty-four cases between 15 and 25 years old were evaluated; 25 were girls (56.8%), 19 were boys (43.2%), and the mean age was 19.2 ± 3.9 years (15–25). The mean daily screen time was 4.9 ± 0.9 h. The mean non-contact BUT was 3.18 ± 2.0 s (1.24–8.80 s), and the spherical equivalent was -1.39 ± 1.79. Punctate epitheliopathy was present in 33 eyes (37.5%) on biomicroscopic examination. The mean OSDI score was 37.12 ± 20.30 (10–75) points. A significant positive correlation was present between daily average screen time, punctate epitheliopathy (r = 0,341; p = 0,001), and OSDI score (r = 0,510; p < 0,001). There was also a significant positive correlation between the OSDI score and punctate epitheliopathy (r = 0.754; p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between the non-contact BUT and punctate epitheliopathy, OSDI score, or daily screen time (p > 0.05).ConclusionOcular surface disorders in students can be associated with increasing daily screen time due to distance learning.

Age, income and sleep duration were associated with outcomes in children participating in weight management.

AimTo explore associations between baseline factors and weight‐related outcomes among participants enrolled in a paediatric obesity trial.MethodsWe included children aged 6–12 years participating in a 2‐year multidisciplinary family programme who attended a postintervention follow‐up 36 months from baseline (n = 62). Outcome measures were change in body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS), reduction in BMI SDS ≥0.25 and change in waist circumference (WC). Independent variables included in linear and logistic regression models were age, sex, household income, parents' education, sleep duration, screen time and physical activity.ResultsAltogether, 26 children (42%) attained a reduction of BMI SDS ≥0.25. Higher family income and longer sleep duration were associated with greater change in BMI SDS (−0.05 per 100.000 NOK, p = 0.02, and −0.24 per hour, p = 0.02, respectively). Higher age was associated with greater change in WC (−2.1 cm per year, p = 0.01) but lower odds of attaining a reduction in BMI SDS ≥0.25 (OR per year 0.70, p = 0.04). There was a borderline statistically significant trend towards greater increase in WC with longer daily screen time (p = 0.05).ConclusionAge, family income and sleep duration at baseline were associated with weight‐related outcomes 1‐year postintervention.

Smartphone Use Type, Fear of Missing Out, Social Support, and Smartphone Screen Time Among Adolescents in Korea: Interactive Effects.

This study aims to examine the relationship between intrapersonal factors, interpersonal factors, smartphone screen time, and the moderating roles of interpersonal factors, on the basis of the ecological model. This study is a cross-sectional and descriptive study. A total of 428 participants from four public middle schools were selected through convenience sampling (55.1% female; Mean age 13.0 ± 0.78). Data were collected through self-report questionnaires that contained questions about sociodemographic characteristics, intrapersonal factors (types of smartphone use, Fear of missing out—FoMO), interpersonal factors (support from parents, teachers, and peers), and smartphone screen time. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and hierarchical regression. The daily smartphone screen time was 4.05 ± 2.16 h. Results showed that social media (β = 0.155), games (β = 0.140), and FoMO (β = 0.227) were positively associated with smartphone screen time, while educational videos (β = −0.130) and parental support (β = −0.212) were negatively associated with smartphone screen time. Peers support moderated the association between games and smartphone screen time. Parental support moderated the association between educational videos, videos/movies/TV, and smartphone screen time. The findings highlight the direct and interactive roles of intrapersonal and interpersonal factors in predicting adolescents' smartphone screen time. Based on this study, the intrapersonal and interpersonal factors of adolescents should be comprehensively considered to intervene in their proper smartphone use.

Self-Reported Parental Interactions through Play with Young Children in Thailand: An Analysis of the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS).

Parental interactions through play contributes significantly to child development of cognitive and executive functioning skills. In Thailand, there is little evidence of factors contributing to parental–child interactions. In response to SDG target 4.2.3 monitoring (the percentage of children under 5 years experiencing positive and stimulating home learning environments), this study aimed to assess the prevalence and profile of parental interactions with their children under the age of five. We analysed data from the 6th Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted by the National Statistical Office in 2019. Face-to-face interviews with mothers and/or legal guardians were conducted. A total of 8856 children under the age of five were enrolled in this survey. Most participants, 90.3%, had engaged in at least four out of six activities with their children. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that children raised by parents with secondary or post-secondary educations had a significantly greater chance to have parental interactions than children raised by parents who completed primary education (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.66, and AOR = 2.34 for secondary and post-secondary education). Children who possessed three or more children’s books and had experience of toy play had a significantly higher chance of having parental interactions (AOR = 3.08 for book possessing, and AOR = 1.50 for the experience of toy play). Children who spent 1–3 h daily screen time had a significantly lower chance of having parental interactions than those who spent less than one hour of screen time (AOR = 0.67). In conclusion, with the emerging influence of digital technology, we recommend family and community promote parental interactions through play with young children.

138. How Much is too Much? Screen Time Among Young Adolescents in Switzerland

The literature indicates that adolescents should spend less than two hours a day in front of a screen, although more recent research indicates that up to 4 hours would be acceptable and recommends an update of this limit regarding the generalized access to screens. The aim of this research was to compare the characteristics of adolescents depending on self-reported daily screen time. Data were collected in school among tenth graders (N=3006; mean age 13.6) between October 2019 and February 2020. Three groups were created according to self-reported daily screen time: under 2 hours (G<2), between 2 and 4 hours (G2-4), and over 4 hours (G>4). Groups were compared at the bivariate level and all significant variables (p<.05) were entered in a backwards multinomial logistic regression using G<2 as the reference category. Results are presented as relative risk ratios (RRR). Although significant in the bivariate analysis, considering oneself a below average student, relationship with mother, self-reported low socioeconomic status, relationship with father, and living with both parents were subsequently eliminated in the stepwise regression process. At the multivariate level, and compared to G<2, those in G2-4 were older (RRR: 1.20), and more likely to report lower emotional well-being (RRR: 1.40), being overweight (RRR: 2.05), to consider their screen time as excessive (RRR: 4.80) and reporting sleeping troubles (RRR: 1.46). No differences were found for gender, problematic internet use, or extracurricular sport practice. Compared to G<2, those in G>4 were older (RRR: 1.87) and more likely to be males (RRR: 1.48), overweight (RRR: 4.23), problematic internet users (RRR: 3.50), to consider that their screen time as excessive (RRR: 12.94) and reporting sleeping troubles (RRR: 1.97). They were also less likely to practice extracurricular sport (RRR: .57). No differences were found for emotional well being. Our results indicate that young adolescents tend to do less well as screen time increases, especially males. Nevertheless, this effect seems to be independent of their familiar, academic or economic situation. It is worth noting that they are well aware that their screen time is excessive. This finding could imply that self-content might be a better approach than just limiting time. Prevention strategies should probably be less strict on the 2-hour limit and take advantage of the self-assessment of young adolescents regarding their screen time. Such strategies should also be gender-specific. Moreover, prevention should be more focused on content that merely on duration.

Differential effects of COVID-related lockdown on sleep-wake rhythms in adults with autism spectrum disorder compared to the general population.

COVID‐related lockdown led to a radical modification of daily activities and routines which are known to affect sleep. Compared to the general population, participants with autism may be particularly vulnerable to the repercussions of lockdown on sleep, given their intrinsic inflexible adherence to routines and the high overall prevalence of sleep disturbances in this population. The study is a French nation‐wide online survey assessing sleep–wake rhythms and behaviors known to affect sleep (daily screen time, daylight exposure, and physical activity), before and during COVID‐related lockdown. Respondents were 207 adults with autism (56% female) and 1652 adults of the general population (77% female), with a mean age 35.3 years (SD 11.3). Before lockdown, the adults with autism displayed on average later bedtime and waking hours, lower sleep quality, more evening screen time, less exposure to daylight, and less exercise (all p < 0.01). Lockdown affected all studied measures of sleep and related exposures in a similar way in both groups: poorer self‐rated sleep quality as well as a less regular and delayed sleep–wake rhythm, longer screen time in the evening and less exposure to daylight (all p < 0.001). Adults with autism displayed significantly higher levels of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances and less favorable daily routines known to regulate sleep. While the effect of confinement on sleep and sleep related behaviors was similar in both groups, the results highlight that the pre‐existing shift in circadian rhythms and lifestyles in adults with ASD further deteriorated during lockdown.Lay abstractCOVID‐related lockdown led to a radical modification of daily activities and routines known to affect sleep. In a sample of 1800 adults, we observed that, before lockdown, participants with autism displayed significantly higher levels of sleep disturbances and less favorable daily routines known to regulate sleep, compared to the general population. While the deleterious effect of lockdown on sleep was similar in both groups, pre‐existing difficulties in adults with autism reached worrying levels during lockdown.

A Risk to Consider in the Pandemic: Weight Gain in Youths

Objective: This study was aimed to evaluate whether the lockdown for outbreak will pose a risk in terms of weight gain in youths by determining daily activity levels, screen time and calorie amounts. Material and Method: This prospective and descriptive study was conducted during the initial stage of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown. The research data were collected from youths aged 15–20 years, residing in a province in the southeast of Turkey. Research data were collected through the online interview method from a total of 67 youths residing in the family health center area of a district in the specified province. Results: The daily physical activity time was 36.41±49.09 minutes, their sleep time was 9.34±1.58 hours, and screen time was 7.70±4.20 hours of the youths. Of the youths, 44.8% had taken more necessary&#x0D; than daily calories. It was found that youths were gained 2.13±2.02 kg during the initial stage of the COVID-19 lockdown. Conclusion: The results of the research showed that nearly half of the youths received more calories than they should take daily, they consumed unhealthy foods more frequently, their daily physical activity time was low, and their screen times were long during the initial stage of the COVID-19 lockdown. It was thought to be important to take necessary precautions against a possible global childhood obesity crisis in the future. In line with the research findings, it can be said that young people should be evaluated separately in terms of nutrition and weight gain in future pandemics.

Prevalence of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors in the French Population: Results and Evolution between Two Cross-Sectional Population-Based Studies, 2006 and 2016.

Insufficient physical activity and sedentary behaviors (SB) are major risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Monitoring the prevalence of physical activity (PA) and SB is essential to meet the health needs of the population. This article presents the prevalence of PA and SB in the French population and their evolution during the last decade. Data come from two cross-sectional surveys, representative of the population in France, the “Etude Nationale Nutrition Santé” 2006–2007 and the Esteban study 2014–2016, and were collected through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire for adults, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and specific questionnaire for children. In 2014–2016, 71% of men and 53% of women met the PA recommendations (5 or more days per week with a moderate-intensity physical activity of at least 30 min per day). Since 2006–2007, PA has decreased for women, but increased for men; 80% of adults reported a daily leisure screen time of at least three hours in 2014–2016, in strong growth since 2006–2007. Among children, only 51% of boys and 33% of girls were meeting the PA recommendations (at least 60 min of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily). PA decreased significantly after the age of 10. Three-quarters of children spent two hours or more in front of a screen every day. These results show a lack of PA, in particular among women and girls, a high prevalence of SB in the French population, and a deterioration of these behaviours between 2006 and 2016.