Screen Time Recommendations Research Articles

Associations between Parents' Digital Media Habits, Engagement, Awareness, and Movement Guidelines among Preschool-Age Children: International Ipreschooler Surveillance Study.

The 24-hour movement guidelines (24-h MG) recommend behaviors (physical activity, screen time, sleep) to aid appropriate physical and mental development in early childhood. This research examined parents’ digital media habits (DMH), engagement (DME), and awareness (DMA) among parents in relation to their preschool-aged children’s 24-h MG in Japan and identified and compared the modifiable determinants of adherence to 24-h MG in urban and rural regions. This cross-sectional study included 867 participants and data were obtained from the International Ipreschooler Surveillance Study Among Asians and OtheRs (IISSAAR). The results revealed that adherence to weekend screen time recommendations and weekday sleep duration were higher in the urban region. The parents’ digital media variables that predicted moderate-intensity to vigorous-intensity physical activity among preschool-aged children were parents’ DME and DMA in the urban regions and parents’ DME in the rural regions. The children’s screen time was significantly associated with parents’ DMH, DME, and DMA in the urban regions and with parents’ DMH and DMA in the rural regions (p < 0.005, p < 0.001, respectively). This study confirmed that parents’ DMH, DME, and DMA are strong predictors of adherence to 24-h MG among preschool-aged children living in both rural and urban regions in Japan.

Electronic screen device usage and screen time among preschool-attending children in a suburban area of Sri Lanka

BackgroundExcessive use of screen devices and screen time are increasing health problems in children. We aim to describe the electronic screen device usage and determine the factors associated with their use among preschool-attending children in a suburban population in Sri Lanka.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in a suburban Medical Officer of Health area of Sri Lanka from January to March 2020. All children aged between 36–59 months attending ten randomly selected preschools were recruited. Data were collected using a parent-administered questionnaire and analysed using binary logistic regression in SPSS. The prevalence of electronic device usage, the average time spent on each device, and factors associated with individual device usage were analysed.ResultsA total of 340 children (Male-48%; mean age-50.1 ± 6.9 months) were recruited. Electronic devices were used by 96% of children. The most common devices were the television (87%) and the smartphone (63%). Of the children who used electronic devices, 60% exceeded the recommended screen time limit of one hour per day, 21% used devices for more than two hours per day, and 51% commenced using devices by two years of age. The higher education level of the father was independently associated with the use of smartphones and laptops and daily screen time of more than one hour (p < 0.05 for all). Male sex and being the only child were significantly associated with the use of smartphones, whereas maternal employment was associated with the use of laptops (p < 0.05 for all).ConclusionsElectronic screen devices were used by 96% of preschool-attending children, and over 60% used them for more than the recommended daily upper limit of one hour. Higher paternal education, maternal employment and being the only child were significantly associated with electronic screen device use.

Handling Adverse Effects of Digital Screen Time on Preschool Children: Looking beyond Limiting Screen Time

Author analyses excessive screen time issues with preschool children, and how counsellors can take a better counselling approach with parents while keeping in perspective Erik Erikson’s Theory of psychosocial development impacting the child by the age of 5 years. Preschool children spend more than 2.5 hours per day on digital screens; this is against recommended guidelines of less than 1 hour per day by * WHO and ** AAP. A literature review of research papers from online *** libraries by the author found that only a small percentage of children met the recommended guidelines resulting in the risk of language disorders, delayed development of physical, motor skills and cognitive abilities, obesity, sleep problems, depression and anxiety due to screen exposure. The loneliness of children is found to be the primary reason for the excessive screen time. The author suggests that counsellors help parents look beyond limiting a child’s screen time alone and improve the parental attitude toward the child’s behaviour which is the biggest barrier in managing a child’s screen time. The author’s contribution is the ‘SALT’ counselling approach emphasising listening Support, finding Alternatives, Loneliness and Time in this digital era to cater to all types of child learners - visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Why is your paper of interest to readers? Exposure of preschool children to digital devices is more than double the recommended screen time, hampering a child’s critical personality development required as per Erik Erikson’s Theory. Counsellors need to look at other associated factors beyond screen time which affect children adversely and which are more important than just the screen time limitation prescribed as per government guidelines. Focus :SE Asia and Outside SE Asia (No IRB approval is sought as the paper is based on secondary research.)

Association between the 24-hour movement guidelines and executive function among Chinese children

ObjectiveChildhood is a critical period for brain development. However, it remains unknown whether the behaviors in a typical 24-h day are related to children’s executive function (EF). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the 24-h movement guidelines and children’s EF.MethodChildren aged 7–12 years (n = 376) were studied in 2017 in China. Physical activity (PA) was accelerometer-derived, while screen time (ST) and sleep duration were self-reported. Meeting the 24-h movement guidelines was defined as: 1) ≥ 60 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous PA; 2) ≤ 2 h/day of recreational ST; 3) 9–11 h/night of sleep. EF was assessed by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Number of completed categories (CC), shifting efficiency (SE), non-perseverative errors (NPE), and failure to maintain set (FMS) were used to measure four processes of EF, respectively represented global performance, cognitive flexibility, efficiency in rule discovery, and sustained attention. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) were completed to explore the associations of meeting the PA, ST, and sleep duration recommendations with four processes of EF.ResultsStatistically significant positive associations were observed between the number of guidelines met, regarded as a continuous variable, with CC [β = 0.343 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.125, 0.561)] and SE [β = 4.028 (95% CI: 0.328, 7.727)], while number of guidelines met negatively related to NPE [β = − 4.377 (95% CI:-7.952,-0.802)]. Participants not meeting the two recommendations for PA and sleep duration had lower scores in CC [β = -0.636(95% CI:-1.125,-0.147)] and SE [β = -10.610 (95% CI:-18.794,-2.425)] compared with those meeting the two, suggesting inferior global performance and worse efficiency in rule discovery. However, ST recommendation had no significant association with any processes of EF.ConclusionMeeting more recommendations of the 24-h movement guidelines was associated with superior EF in children. Specifically, more PA and healthy sleep duration should be encouraged to promote children’s EF.

Sleep, sedentary behavior, and physical activity in Brazilian adolescents: Achievement recommendations and BMI associations through compositional data analysis.

Physical activity, sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep are habitual human behaviors (HHB) which are modifiable throughout the different life phases. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze how the time distribution throughout the day among HHB may be associated with body mass index (BMI). These results could provide inferences which can guide interventions that trigger changes in adolescent behaviors in favor of their health. The objective of this study was to verify the proportion of adolescents who meet the recommendation of sleep, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and screen time (ST); to analyze the associations between HHB and BMI, and to determine possible changes in BMI associated with time reallocation between different HHB. Daily HHB recommendations (yes/no) were analyzed by frequency distribution. Compositional data analyses were used to examine the association between HHB and the BMI z-score (zBMI) with covariates (sex, age, and socioeconomic status). Compositional isotemporal substitution models estimated the change in zBMI associated with HHB reallocations from 15 to 120 minutes. A total of 185 adolescents were included (15 to 18 years, 50.8% boys). Thus, total sleep time, SB, light physical activity (LPA) and MVPA were measured by 24-hour accelerometry for seven consecutive days. ST, demographic characteristics, and socioeconomic status were assessed using a questionnaire. Sleep, MVPA, and ST recommendations were achieved by 32.97%, 8.10%, and 1.08% of the sample, respectively. No adolescent was able to achieve all of the daily recommendations. Age was significantly and positively associated with zBMI (p<0.001). Simply replacing 75, 90, and 120 minutes of MVPA by LPA led to an estimated significant increase in zBMI (95CI% z-value, 0.01 to 1.49). The HHB relocation estimates in 24h did not show positive effects on zBMI, nor did it increase the time engaged in MVPA, which may raise the hypothesis that other parameters related to obesity and their related interactions need to be better understood.

A Comparison of Meeting Physical Activity and Screen Time Recommendations between Canadian Youth Living in Rural and Urban Communities: A Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Meeting the physical activity (PA) and recreational screen time recommendations for children and young people is associated with several health benefits. The purpose of this study was to compare the odds of meeting PA and recreational screen time recommendations between the Canadian youth living in urban versus rural communities. We analyzed nationally representative cross-sectional data collected as part of the 2017–2018 cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey among young people aged 12–17 years. PA and screen time were self-reported. Sex-specific multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of meeting individual and combined PA and recreational screen time recommendations by rural and urban status after adjusting for individual, socioeconomic, and seasonal covariates. The odds of meeting the PA recommendation were not statistically significantly different among males (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.86–1.18) or females (OR 1.05, 95% CI: 0.99–1.11) living in urban versus rural communities. The odds of meeting the recreational screen time recommendations were statistically significantly lower among male (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.65–0.77) and female (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.59–0.86) youth living in urban compared to those in rural communities. The odds of meeting the combined PA and screen time recommendations were statistically significantly lower among urban males (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.71–0.81) but not females (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.58–1.15) than those from rural communities. These findings suggest that residential context (i.e., urban versus rural) may have a differential impact on meeting the combined PA and screen time recommendations among the male and female Canadian youth. Future research should investigate these differences using device-based measures.

A Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Screen Time in a Children's Hospital.

The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that children age 2 and under should have little to no digital media exposure. However, most children are exposed to regular screen time at home. This may also be true for hospitalized children. Through education and access to alternatives, we aimed to reduce screen exposure in our children's hospital for children 2 and under. Between January 2020 and May 2021, we designed and implemented a quality improvement intervention to educate staff and caregivers on the American Academy of Pediatrics screen time recommendations and offer alternatives for hospitalized children. Our primary aim was to decrease screen time exposure for children age 2 and under by 50% within 12 months of project initiation. Balancing measures included staff perception of workload when using screens and perceived parental acceptance of screens being turned off. During baseline data collection period, screens were on for an average of 63% of the audits. Following interventions, the average was reduced to 40%. The outcome measure met special cause with 8 consecutive points below the center line. There was a significant increase in staff who reported offering screen alternatives after intervention. Staff perception of workload and perceived parental acceptance was unchanged. Through implementation of this quality improvement initiative, we reduced screen time by approximately 37% without impacting staff workload. Most importantly, we were able to educate staff and model best practices for caregivers, which may carry into the home, leading to a reduction of screen time and improved health overall.

Explaining Adherence to American Academy of Pediatrics Screen Time Recommendations With Caregiver Awareness and Parental Motivation Factors: Mixed Methods Study.

BackgroundWith the increasing integration of technology into society, it is advisable that researchers explore the effects of repeated digital media exposure on our most vulnerable population—infants. Excessive screen time during infancy has been linked to delays in language, literacy, and self-regulation.ObjectiveThis study explores the awareness of and adherence to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) recommendations related to avoiding screen time for infants younger than 2 years and the motivational factors associated with screen time exposure.MethodsA mixed methods survey design was used to gather responses from 178 mothers of infants younger than 2 years. The measures included infant screen time use and duration, maternal awareness of screen time use recommendations, and motivations related to screen time exposure. A variety of statistical procedures were used to explore associations between caregiver awareness of and adherence to AAP guidelines for screen time exposure, motivations related to screen time for infants, and the duration of infant screen time exposure.ResultsThe results indicated that 62.2% (111/178) of mothers were aware of the AAP screen time recommendations, but only 46.1% (82/178) could cite them accurately, and most mothers learned of them via the internet or from a medical professional. Mothers who were aware of the guidelines allowed significantly less screen time for infants than those who were unaware (P=.03). In addition, parents who adhered to the AAP guidelines reported significantly less infant screen time per day than those who did not adhere (P<.001). Among mothers who reported not adhering to the guidelines, the greatest motivation for allowing screen time was perceived educational benefits. Less educated mothers rated an infant’s relaxation as a motivational factor in allowing screen time significantly higher than more highly educated mothers (P=.048). The regression analysis indicated that none of the parental motivation factors predicted daily infant screen time.ConclusionsThese results indicate 2 key approaches to improving adherence to screen time recommendations. First, the awareness of the AAP recommendations needs to be increased, which tends to improve adherence. Second, the myth that screen time can be educational for infants needs to be dispelled.

Meeting 24-hour movement behavior guidelines in young children: Improved quantity estimation and self-regulation

ABSTRACT Research Findings: The present study examined the associations among meeting 24-hour movement behavior recommendations set by the World Health Organization (2019) and young children’s self-regulation and quantity estimation skills in a sample of 123 children (n = 65 female; 4.9 ± 0.7 years) in mid-Michigan. Meeting screen time recommendations alone, meeting physical activity recommendations in combination with either sleep or screen time recommendations, meeting more recommendations overall, and being active more days weekly were associated with superior quantity estimation. Meeting more guidelines and accruing more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily related to better self-regulation. Improvements in self-regulation partially mediated the relation between physical activity and quantity estimation. Practice or Policy: Our findings identify benefits for adopting specific physical activity guidelines for children (e.g., physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration) and integrating these into early learning standards so both families and schools can support children’s capacity to meet 24-hr movement guidelines and thus support cognitive health. An active lifestyle in early childhood may support young children’s self-regulation and early educational outcomes, with physical activity promotion efforts during early childhood serving as a viable means to address growing expulsion rates in preschool-aged children.

Are There Common Correlates of Adolescents’ Sport Participation and Screen Time?

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to identify intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental correlates of leisure-time participation in sports and examine whether they are also associated with screen-time among adolescents. Methods: Adolescents from eight schools in Victoria, Australia were recruited for this study. Participants (n = 400) comprised of an even distribution of boys (51%) and girls (49%) aged 12–16 years. Their engagement in leisure-time activities (including sports and screen-time) and 13 potential correlates were self-reported. Multinomial logistic regression analyses examined correlates of sports and screen-time participation categories, accounting for clustering by school and adjusting for significant sociodemographic characteristics. Results: The majority (76%) participated in leisure-time sports and exceeded screen-time recommendations (<2 h/day) on both weekdays (69%) and weekend days (85%). Greater internal motivation for sports was positively associated with sports participation and inversely associated with screen-time on weekend days, respectively. Fewer barriers, positive family and coach support and more neighborhood sporting opportunities were significantly associated with greater sports participation. Neighborhood social norms were inversely associated with sports participation. Preference for sports was associated with less weekday and weekend screen-time. Friend support for sports was inversely associated with weekday screen-time. Access to sports facilities in the local neighborhood was associated with more weekday and weekend screen-time. Conclusion: Internal motivation for sports was associated with both sports participation and less screen-time. Preference for leisure-time sports and friend support for sports were associated with less screen-time. Future research should continue to explore common correlates of multiple leisure-time behaviors to inform the development of effective intervention strategies.

Longitudinal associations of subjectively-measured physical activity and screen time with cognitive development in young children

PurposeTo examine the longitudinal associations of subjectively-measured physical activity (PA) and screen time with multiple domains of cognitive development in a sample of young children. MethodsParticipants were 96 children (baseline age: 3.69 ± 0.78 years) and their parents from Edmonton, Canada in the Physical Activity and Cognition in Early Childhood (PACE) study. Different types of PA (organized, non-organized) and screen time (television viewing, video games) were measured using a parental questionnaire at baseline and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Total proxy-reported PA, total screen time, and meeting/not meeting the screen time recommendations (2–4 years: ≤1 h/d; 5 years: ≤2 h/d) of the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines were also calculated. Working memory (Nebraska Barnyard task) and inhibitory control (Fish-Shark Go/No-Go task) were assessed at the three time points. Intellectual ability, including language development, inductive reasoning, and perceptual speed, were assessed using the Woodcock-Johnson III test battery at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Multilevel growth modeling was conducted. ResultsOrganized PA (B = 1.26; 95%CI: 0.19,2.33), non-organized PA (B = 0.89, 95%CI: 0.08, 1.71), and total proxy-reported PA (B = 1.03, 95%CI: 0.41,1.66) were positively associated with intellectual ability. In particular, positive associations in regard to language development and inductive reasoning were observed. As for screen time, most associations were not significant, except for positive associations of meeting the screen recommendation with intellectual ability (B = 3.19; 95%CI: 0.002,6.38) and language development (B = 4.32; 95%CI: 0.34,8.30). ConclusionFor young children, promoting PA participation in organized and non-organized activities, as well as meeting the screen time recommendations, appears important for cognitive development.

Lifestyle behaviours of immigrant and Australian children: Evidence from a nationally representative sample

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of physical activity (PA), screen time (ST), sleep, and fruit and vegetable intake of children with low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC) parents, high-income countries (HIC), and Australian children, and whether these behaviours are associated with their immigrant status. Data for this study were from wave 7 of the Birth cohort (B cohort) of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. We used generalized estimating equations (GEE) to examine associations between health behaviours and immigrant status. The models were adjusted for a number of covariates. Children with LMIC parents had lower odds of meeting PA and sleep recommendations and higher odds ratio (OR) of meeting fruit and vegetable intake, and ST recommendations than Australian or HIC children. Children with LMIC parents had one-third the odds of meeting the PA recommendations (OR 0.39 [95%CI 0.22–0.70]) than Australian children. No significant differences were observed in lifestyle behaviours among children with HIC parents and Australian children. Lifestyle behaviours of children with LMIC parents differed from those of HIC and Australian children. However, children with HIC parents and Australian children had comparable lifestyle behaviours. Identified disparities in lifestyle behaviours among immigrant children can inform strategies to bring equity in Australian children's lifestyles. Our study underscores the importance of culturally appropriate targeted interventions to promote PA and sleep of children with LMIC parents.

Meeting the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and Outcomes in Adolescents with ADHD: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

According to the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, meeting daily recommendations for physical activity, sleep, and screen time is important for obtaining optimal health benefits. This cross-sectional observational study aimed to examine (a) the prevalence of meeting the movement guidelines; and (b) the associations between meeting the guidelines and selected outcomes in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Data from the 2018–2019 National Survey for Children’s Health dataset was used. Participants were adolescents (10–17 years) with ADHD and without other chronic conditions. Outcomes were flourishing, school engagement, and body weight status. Exposures of interest were adherence to the movement guidelines. The frequency of the participants’ adherence to the guidelines was estimated, and regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between adherence to the guidelines and outcomes, adjusting for potential confounders. Complete observations were available for 634 adolescents with ADHD. Overall, 46.8% of the participants met at least one movement guideline, but only 6.5% met all three. The number of guidelines met had a significant and positive association with flourishing and school engagement (β = 0.21/0.17, ptrend < 0.001). Compared with meeting all three guidelines, significant associations with lower flourishing levels were found in participants who met none, sleep only, and sedentary time only (β = −0.38–−0.13, p < 0.05). Similar findings were identified in the school engagement outcome. Adherence to the guidelines was, however, not significantly associated with the odds of being overweight or obese. Collectively, the findings suggest the movement guidelines may be appropriate for extending to adolescents with ADHD and there is a need to increase adherence to the guidelines in this group.

Determinants of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Spanish Children and Adolescents: The PASOS Study.

A progressive shift away from traditional healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), has been observed in recent decades. The aim of this study was to assess determinants of optimal adherence to the MedDiet in Spanish children and adolescents. A cross-sectional analysis was included in the PASOS nationwide representative study in Spain. Participants were 3607 children and adolescents; 8–16 years old. Primary and secondary outcome measures of weight and height were measured. Adherence to the MedDiet, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in children and adolescents, as well as parental physical activity and dietary habits, were assessed. Optimal adherence to the MedDiet was observed in 45.5% of primary school students and 34.8% of secondary school students (OR: 0.65; 95%CI: 0.56–0.75). Optimal adherence to the MedDiet was higher in children/adolescents meeting daily recommended moderate and vigorous physical activity (OR: 2.39, 95%CI: 1.97–2.89) and in those meeting daily recommended screen time on weekdays (OR: 2.05, 95%CI: 1.77–2.38) and weekends (OR: 1.76, 95%CI: 1.48–2.10). Participants with optimal adherence to the MedDiet were more likely to have mothers with a high-level education and high-tercile of SDQS, mothers who never smoked or were former smokers, and mothers who met the recommended physical activity and screen time. It can be concluded that a low prevalence of optimal adherence to the MedDiet was found among current Spanish children and adolescents. Optimal adherence to the MedDiet was associated with reaching the recommendations on physical activity and screen time, with the highest maternal educational level, and healthier maternal lifestyles.

Does parental education on screen time recommendations lead to reduced screen time in pediatric patients?

Does parental education on screen time recommendations lead to reduced screen time in pediatric patients?

Cyberbullying involvement and short sleep duration among adolescents

BackgroundResearch has shown that cyberbullying victimization is associated with short sleep duration among adolescents; however, the association between cyberbullying perpetration and sleep duration is unclear. Furthermore, little is known about the factors that could moderate these associations. Thus, the objectives of this study were to investigate the associations of cyberbullying victimization, perpetration, or both with short sleep duration among adolescents, and to test whether age, sex, and adherence to the screen time recommendations (≤2 hours/day) moderate these associations. MethodsData on 6834 adolescents aged 11-20 years were derived from a representative cross-sectional study of middle and high school students across Ontario, Canada. Short sleep duration was self-reported and defined as sleeping less than the age-appropriate sleep duration recommendations. Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted for important covariates. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported. ResultsCyberbullying victimization (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.37-1.86), perpetration (AOR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.16-1.79), or both perpetration and victimization (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.27-2.30) was associated with greater odds of short sleep duration. Results further indicated that younger students who were not cyberbullied had a lower probability of short sleep duration, but there was no difference in the probability of short sleep duration between being cyberbullied or not among older adolescents. Sex and screen time did not moderate any of the associations between cyberbullying involvement and short sleep duration. ConclusionInvolvement in cyberbullying as either a victim, a perpetrator, or both is associated with short sleep duration among adolescents. Strategies that can help to eliminate cyberbullying are needed in public health.

Prevalence and trends in Australian adolescents\u2019 adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines: findings from a repeated national cross-sectional survey

Background24-hour movement guidelines recommend a healthy balance of high levels of physical activity, low levels of sedentary behaviour and appropriate sleep duration each day. At present, surveillance data on how Australian adolescents are performing against these guidelines are lacking. This study aims to describe the extent to which Australian secondary school students are adhering to the physical activity, sedentary recreational screen time and sleep duration recommendations outlined in the national 24-hour movement guidelines for children and young people. It also examines whether there are socio-demographic differences in levels of compliance and if there have been significant changes in these behaviours over time.MethodsA repeated national cross-sectional survey of students in grades 8 to 11 (ages 12-17 years) was conducted in 2009-2010 (n=13,790), 2012-2013 (n=10,309) and 2018 (n=9,102). Students’ self-reported physical activity, screen time and sleep behaviours were assessed using validated instruments administered in schools via a web-based questionnaire.ResultsIn 2018, around one in four students (26%) did not meet any of the 24-hour movement guidelines, while only 2% of students met all three. Adherence to the sleep duration recommendation was highest (67%), with substantially smaller proportions of students meeting the physical activity (16%) and screen time (10%) recommendations. Differences in adherence by sex, grade level and socio-economic area were apparent. Students’ compliance with the screen time recommendation has declined over time, from 19% in 2009-2010 to 10% in 2018. However, there has been no significant change in the proportion meeting the physical activity (15% in 2009-2010 cf. 16% in 2018) and sleep duration (69% in 2009-2010 cf. 67% in 2018) recommendations. Compliance with all three guidelines has remained very low (<3%) across each survey round.ConclusionsThere is considerable scope to improve Australian adolescents’ physical activity and sedentary behaviours in line with the national 24-hour movement guidelines. Policy proposals and environmental interventions, particularly those focused on replacing sedentary screen time with physical activity (e.g. promotion of active commuting to/from school), are needed to better support Australian adolescents in meeting the 24-hour movement guidelines.

Setting Limits on Screen Time for Children (6-to-12 Years): The Integral Role of Parents and Educators.

This paper investigates the effects of screen time on child development and cognition and the setting of ‘safe’ screen time limits for young children, specifically children aged 6-to-12 years. Guidelines on screen time vary across constituencies, and the debate around screen time is contentious with many questions yet to be answered. A review of literature was undertaken to compare current screen time recommendations against the evidence from Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Psychology and Pediatrics that quantify screen time effects on the children's brain development. Based on this comparison, conclusions are made that can guide education policies around ‘remote learning’ and ‘home schooling’ to align them with the available research on the effects of screen time on children and inform a re-evaluation of the role of parents and educators in the setting of ‘safe’ limits on screen time.

Choosing a Healthy Childhood Development in the Digital Era

Digital technology use is predominant amongst children and as the use increases, it significantly impacts childhood development [1]. Technology is entrenched in our work, play and learning, thus making it difficult in avoiding the use of gadgets such as tablets and phones. After all, we are in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated technology adoption and acceptance. Communication has been digitized and it seems this is the only way to make our social circles bigger. The schooling system is now transitioning to Technology Enhanced Learning. Even more so, the virtualization of the workplace has normalized spending a significant amount of time online. Nonetheless, in pre-pandemic times, this growing use was still inevitable. The use of digital gadgets has also crept into the home system with children as young as a few months old being exposed beyond the recommended screen time. Henceforth, our article will address the overarching goal of the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on physical activity, screen time exposure and sleep for children; coupled with active internet use and offline digital use [2].

Adverse Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Movement and Play Behaviours of Children and Youth Living with Disabilities: Findings from the National Physical Activity Measurement (NPAM) Study.

All children and youth require ample physical activity (PA), low levels of sedentary behaviour (SB), and adequate sleep to stay healthy. Children and youth living with disabilities (CYWD) tend to have fewer opportunities for participation in PA and outdoor play compared with their typically developing peers. In turn, CYWD are typically less active and more sedentary, on average, compared with their peers. The COVID-19 pandemic reduced opportunities for many children and youth to participate in PA and outdoor play. The purpose of this study was to assess parent-perceived changes in PA (including outdoor play), SB (including screen time), and sleep quality and quantity, due to COVID-19 and related restrictions, in a national cohort of Canadian CYWD. We recruited parents of school-aged CYWD (N = 151) in May 2020. In an online survey, parents reported their child’s previous 7-day PA, SB, and sleep, as well as perceived changes in their child’s movement and play behaviours due to COVID-19 and related restrictions. Parent-perceived parental support for their child’s movement and play behaviours during the pandemic was also assessed. We used descriptive statistics to describe the child’s movement behaviours and assessed the association between movement behaviours and parental factors using Pearson and point-biserial correlations. Few (5.3%) CYWD met PA recommendations and 13.2% met screen time recommendations during the acute period of the COVID-19 pandemic. More CYWD (66.2%) were meeting sleep recommendations. Overall, only 1.3% of CYWD were meeting the combined movement guidelines. Parent encouragement was positively associated with the child’s outdoor PA (0.23), wheeling, walking, and biking (0.19), indoor PA (0.16), and family-based PA (0.26). Parental co-play was similarly positively associated with the child’s outdoor PA (0.26), wheeling, walking, and biking (0.39), indoor PA (0.16), and family-based PA (0.26). Parents perceived their CYWD to be less active and more sedentary as a result of COVID-19 and the related restrictions. Parents of CYWD have an important role in encouraging healthy movement behaviours. Return to movement and play post-COVID guidelines should include tailored strategies for CYWD and their families to mitigate the negative impacts of the pandemic.