Children who spend less time using digital screens are more likely to engage in more physical activity, new research in JAMA Pediatrics has found.
The study recruited participants between June 2019 through March 2021, with a total of 89 families included; 181 children and 164 adults.
“This study included a population-based sample from 10 Danish municipalities,” the study states. “A total of 89 families were recruited based on a population-based survey on screen media habits in families with children.”
Researchers determined in their study that limiting screen media use can increase habitual physical activity in children.
“In this cluster randomized clinical trial, a recreational screen media reduction intervention resulted in a substantial increase in children’s engagement in physical activity,” the study found. “The large effect size suggests that the high levels of recreational screen media use seen in many children should be a public health concern.”
