Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Children's Physical Activity and Screen Time
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted children's daily routines, particularly affecting their physical activity and screen time. A recent longitudinal study titled "Parents’ Report of Canadian Elementary School Children’s Physical Activity and Screen Time during the COVID-19 Pandemic" sheds light on these changes and offers insights for practitioners aiming to improve children's health outcomes.
Key Findings from the Study
The study observed a notable decline in physical activity and an increase in screen time among Canadian children aged 10-12 during the pandemic. This change was attributed to the closure of recreational facilities and restrictions on social interactions. The data, collected from parents before and during the pandemic, revealed:
- A significant decrease in physical activity days per week (Z = -2.53, p = 0.01, d = 0.18).
- An increase in weekday (Z = -4.61, p < 0.01, d = 0.33) and weekend screen time (Z = -3.79, p < 0.01, d = 0.27).
Implications for Practitioners
For speech-language pathologists and other child health practitioners, these findings underscore the importance of integrating physical activity into therapeutic practices. Encouraging parents to facilitate outdoor play and reduce screen time can be crucial. Here are some actionable steps:
- Promote Outdoor Activities: Encourage families to engage in outdoor activities like walking or biking, which comply with physical distancing guidelines.
- Limit Screen Time: Work with parents to set realistic screen time limits and encourage non-screen-based activities.
- Support Socioeconomic Diversity: Tailor interventions to accommodate families from various socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring equitable access to resources.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of the pandemic on children's health behaviors. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this body of research by conducting studies within their communities and sharing findings with the broader health community.
To delve deeper into the research, you can access the original study here: Parents’ Report of Canadian Elementary School Children’s Physical Activity and Screen Time during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study.
