Childhood Obesity: The Unseen Danger of Screen Time

Childhood obesity is a growing concern worldwide. But in New Zealand, it’s a particularly pressing issue.

Screens and the Risk of Obesity

Excessive screen time has been linked to various health issues in children, ranging from mental and emotional problems to physical health concerns like obesity.

Spending too much time with screens often means more sitting and less physical activity, both of which can lead to excess weight gain. Additionally, screen time is associated with snacking, as children often eat while watching shows or playing games.

Noticeable Benefits from Limits

Our research used data from the Growing Up in New Zealand study, which followed over 5,700 children and their families. We examined how family screen time rules established at the age of two influenced obesity risk by the time the children were four-and-a-half.

The results were eye-opening. We found families who set and implemented clear rules about screen use saw noticeable benefits.

Quality, Quantity, and Timing

The most effective screen time strategies covered three main areas:

Quality: deciding what type of shows or apps children can use.

Quantity: setting a limit on how much time children spend on screens each day.

Timing: establishing rules on when screens are allowed.

The findings suggest setting all three types of screen rules can make a big difference in helping children form healthier habits.

Other Factors

Socioeconomic factors can affect screen time and, subsequently, childhood obesity. Families in financially disadvantaged situations often have fewer resources to manage screen time effectively.

When we accounted for factors such as poverty and food insecurity, the link between screen time and obesity became less direct.

Guiding Parents

For families, the key advice is to implement and maintain rules that address the quality, quantity, and timing of screen use.

Policymakers can also play a role by supporting initiatives that assist families in lower-income brackets.

Conclusion

Tackling childhood obesity effectively requires addressing screen time habits, socioeconomic factors, and policies that support healthy food, physical activity, and safe outdoor spaces.

FAQs

How much screen time is too much for children? The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Paediatrics suggest preschool-aged children should have no more than one hour of screen time daily.

What are the most effective screen time strategies? Setting rules that cover quality, quantity, and timing of screen use, and prioritising educational or calming media over fast-paced or violent shows.

How can parents establish effective screen time rules? By deciding what type of shows or apps children can use, setting a limit on how much time children spend on screens each day, and establishing rules on when screens are allowed.