The relationship between typically developing school-age children’s screen time, participation and physical activity: An exploratory study

In recent years, screen-based activities have become increasingly popular amongst children and adolescents. Several studies have found increased screen time to be associated with sleep disturbances, poorer academic performance and reduced physical activity. However, not much is known about children’s activity preferences and participation in relation to their screen time. This study investigated the association between school-aged children’s screen time use and their activity participation and physical activity. A sample of 25 parents/caregivers with typically developing children aged 8–12 years in Australia participated. Parents/caregivers completed the Children Screen Time Use Report (CSTUR) and Children Participation Questionnaire-School (CPQ-S). Child participants completed the CSTUR, Preferences for Activities of Children (PAC), Perceived Meaning of Occupations Questionnaire (PMOQ) and Physical Activity Questionnaire-Children (PAQ-C). Data were analyzed using Spearman Rho correlations. Findings from this study found no statistically significant associations between the CSTUR and PAQ-C subscales in children aged 8–12 years. However, there were several significant correlations found between CSTUR and the PAC, PMOQ and CPQ-S scale scores. Occupational therapists need to consider screen-based activities in school age children and the impact it can have on their daily participation.