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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Obesity | Research article

Screen time duration and timing: effects on obesity, physical activity, dry eyes, and learning ability in elementary school children

Authors: Yui Mineshita, Hyeon-Ki Kim, Hanako Chijiki, Takuya Nanba, Takae Shinto, Shota Furuhashi, Satoshi Oneda, Mai Kuwahara, Anzu Suwama, Shigenobu Shibata

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

As internet use becomes more widespread, the screen time (ST) of elementary school students increases yearly. It is known that longer durations of ST can affect obesity, physical activity, dry eye disease, and learning ability. However, the effects of ST just before bedtime have not been clarified. Therefore, we examined ST duration and timing effects on elementary school children.

Methods

We conducted a survey of 7419 elementary school students in Tokyo, Japan using a questionnaire on food education. ST duration and timing (just before bedtime) served as the explanatory variables, and the relationship between obesity, physical activity, dry eyes, and learning ability was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Gender, school year, height, and weight were considered confounding factors. First, we examined whether ST duration and timing were related to each objective variable, using a univariate model to examine all variables. Thereafter, we performed multivariate logistic regression analyses for all variables showing a significant difference in the univariate models.

Results

A significant association was observed between ST duration and obesity, physical activity, and academic performance, indicating that a longer ST duration may lead to obesity, decreased physical activity, and decreased academic performance. ST timing was associated with obesity, dry eyes, and academic performance, and ST immediately before bedtime contributed to obesity, dry eyes, and reduced academic performance. Furthermore, the results of investigating the combined effect of ST duration and timing (immediately before bedtime) on these factors revealed that ST timing has a greater effect on dry eyes, and ST duration has a greater effect on academic performance.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that ST in school children is related to obesity, physical activity, dry eyes, and learning ability, and they suggest that not only the duration but also the timing of ST is important.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Screen time duration and timing: effects on obesity, physical activity, dry eyes, and learning ability in elementary school children
Authors: Yui Mineshita
Hyeon-Ki Kim
Hanako Chijiki
Takuya Nanba
Takae Shinto
Shota Furuhashi
Satoshi Oneda
Mai Kuwahara
Anzu Suwama
Shigenobu Shibata
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Obesity
Obesity
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10484-7

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Screen time duration and timing: effects on obesity, physical activity, dry eyes, and learning ability in elementary school children

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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