Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Adolescent Behaviors
With today’s young people spending so much time online, are you concerned about the repercussions that this could have on the development of behaviors? A recent research article in Clinical Pediatrics took a closer look at the association between physical activity, sports, screen time, and adolescent behaviors based on emergency room visits.
Methodology of the Study
Over five thousand adolescents ages 12-17 years old were assessed in the emergency room for alcohol/drug use, risky behavior, conduct disorder, and depressive mood.
The criteria for Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) was defined as being active for ≥5 days/week and ≥60 minutes/day. Increased screen time was defined as more than 3 hours/day of computer/TV use for non-schoolwork.
Results of the Study on Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Adolescent Behaviors
Following data analysis the results indicated the following:
- 47% of the youth engaged in MVPA for a total of at least 60 minutes per day on ≥5 days per week.
- 77% of youth reported playing video or computer games or used a computer for something other than schoolwork for ≥3 hours per day on an average school day.
- association between MVPA, sports, and increased screen time adjusting for demographics and academic achievement.
- older age and lower academic achievement were significantly associated with risky behaviors, conduct disorder, and depression.
- youth who supported MVPA and sports participation exhibited less depression.
- increased screen time was associated with conduct disorder, depression, and drug use.
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Conclusion on Screen Time and Adolescent Behaviors
The researchers concluded that based on data from the pediatric emergency department youth, MVPA and sports participation is associated with less depression. Increased screen time is associated with conduct disorders, depression, and drug use. The research is clear. Physical activity, sports activities and reduced screen time are all associated with better physical well-being as well as less risk taking behavior in youth!
Reference
Shenoi, R. P., Linakis, J. G., Bromberg, J. R., Casper, T. C., Richards, R., Chun, T. H., … & Spirito, A. (2022). Association of physical activity, sports, and screen time with adolescent behaviors in youth who visit the pediatric emergency department. Clinical pediatrics, 00099228221075094.
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