Open AccessScreen time and physical activity in children and adolescents aged 10–15 years
Author(s) -
Anna Dahlgren,
Linnea Sjöblom,
Helén Eke,
Stephanie E Bonn,
Ylva Trolle Lagerros
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0254255
Subject(s) - screen time , physical activity , medicine , cross sectional study , socioeconomic status , gerontology , demography , physical therapy , pediatrics , population , environmental health , sociology , pathology
Background Previous research studies have demonstrated a relationship between low levels of physical activity and high amounts of screen time in children and adolescents. However, this is usually based on self-reported data. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between objectively measured smartphone screen time and physical activity among children and adolescents aged 10–15 years. Methods During seven consecutive days, we objectively assessed smartphone screen time, using the SCRIIN smartphone application, and physical activity, using the SCRIIN activity tracker, in children and adolescents recruited from two schools in Stockholm County, Sweden. Moreover, the children/adolescents and their parents responded to a questionnaire, obtaining among other things: self-reported screen time, physical activity, sleep and health-related quality of life. Results A total of 121 children and adolescents (mean age: 12.1 ± 1.5) were included in the study. Objectively measured smartphone screen time was 161.2 ± 81.1 min/day. Mean physical activity, measured with the SCRIIN activity tracker, was 32.6 ± 16.5 active min/day. Minutes of screen time and physical activity did not differ between the children and adolescents from the two schools, despite located in different socioeconomic areas. Further, we found no association between smartphone screen time and physical activity. However, girls aged 14–15 years, had more smartphone screen time (p<0.01) and were significantly more physically active (p<0.01) than girls aged 10–12 years. In addition, boys reported more than five times more time spent on computer and video games than girls did. Conclusion Smartphone screen time was not associated with physical activity level among children and adolescents aged 10–15 years.