Academic implications of screen use and sedentary behaviour in a school with a 1-to-1 device policy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Schools are implementing 1-to-1 device policies, and as a result students are increasingly using mobile devices for multiple purposes. This use is in addition to other sedentary behaviours. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between different types of sedentary behaviours, including technology use by device type and purpose, with academic achievement. School children (n = 934) in grades 5 through 12 at an Australian school with a ‘bring-your-own’ device policy completed a survey on sedentary behaviours and technology use. Mean total sedentary time was 12.9 (SD 8.7) hours per day, and mean screen use was 6.7 (SD 5.7) hours per day. Duration of technology use for nearly all devices and all purposes (except some school work) was negatively associated with academic performance, though the relationships were often non-linear. Support is needed for children to develop wise habits of technology use and overall sedentary behaviours.