Day: 20 October 2019

Unit 4, Activity 7

We all seem to be spending more time staring at screens.  While there was concern of past generations spending too much time watching television, primarily for entertainment, we now stare at our smart phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and televisions for work, school, entertainment, and social connection.  There are software applications targeted at people of all ages, including newborns.  With screens now creeping into every aspect of our lives, it is important to question their influence, especially on the developmental years of childhood.  Is this increase in screen time the cause of the increase in child obesity?  Is there a connection between increased screen time and childhood behavioral or learning problems?  Sound evidence is certainly required before we label the quantity of screen time as a major, minor or insignificant factor in childhood health and wellbeing.  Government and professionals in this field have a responsibility to provide policies and guidelines grounded in sound evidence so that parents, guardians can be aware of the factors which do, or do not, affect childhood health, and make educated decisions. 

Etchells et al. (2017) contend that context of screen use and content are important factors in childhood health and wellbeing and “may have a much greater impact than sheer quantity alone” (para. 2).  Although the authors do not provide evidence, these do appear to be important factors requiring further research and consideration.  The authors also postulate that there is no evidence to indicate a connection between screen time and childhood health and wellbeing.  In fact, they go so far as to argue that the argument is “simplistic” (para. 2) and “arguably meaningless” (para. 2) and posit that to assume a connection may be detrimental or even “potentially harmful” (para. 3).  Although this article lists over 80 professionals as the authors, there are scores of research studies which provide evidence in opposition to this perspective. 

Research studies suggesting there IS a connection between screen time and children’s health and wellbeing extend across many disciplines and countries.  For example, in a publication by American Academy of Pediatrics, Page, Cooper, Griew and Jago (2010), state their findings that “greater television and computer use were related to higher psychological difficulty scores” in children (para. 3).  Moreover, in a report commissioned by the Department of Sport and Recreation by the Government of Western Australia, Dr. Karen Martin (2011) asserts that current research indicates that excessive screen time among children and adolescents is more likely to cause physical health disadvantages, negative health behaviours, adverse mental and social health issues, and behavioural, learning and attentional problems or disadvantages (p. 3).  Addressing the hypothesis of a connection between screen time and child obesity, Tripathi and Mishra (2019) claim that 85 percent of the studies they selected for review “indicated positive association between screen time and incidences of adiposity among children and adolescents” (Tripathi & Mishra, 2019, para. 4).  These sources, and many others, appear to provide sound evidence from peer-reviewed publications which support the claim of screen time as a negative affect on children’s health.

Etchells et al. (2017), and the many other authors who continue to weigh in on this debate, have reminded me of the complexity of children’s health and wellbeing, and the myriad factors which potentially influence it.  The literature also reminds me to remain open to new research and evidence.  Answers to tough questions are rarely simple and we must remain curious, and take care to research meticulously, publish truthfully, ask questions, and be open to hypotheses and research that may or may not contradict with our beliefs.

In conclusion, I believe that screen time cannot be labelled as a major, minor or insignificant factor in children’s health and wellbeing without sufficient and sound evidence.  With that evidence, government and professionals in the field may then provide appropriate policies and guidelines.  Parents have a responsibility, not only to learn of these policies and guidelines, but also to consider the nuances of their children and their particular needs.  How much screen time do your children experience?  What is the context and content of that screen time?  How is it affecting them?  Are they getting sufficient physical activity?  How is their health and wellbeing?  What, if any, non-screen environmental factors could be adversely affecting them?  Parents cannot be experts in all fields.  It takes a community to raise a healthy child.  Creating policies and guidelines based on solid evidence is, therefore, essential to give children the best chance at optimal health.

References

Etchells, P., Fletcher-Watson, S., Blakemore, S. J., Chambers, C., Kardefelt-Winther, D., Mills, K., . . . Pfeifer, J. (2017 January 6). Screen time guidelines need to be built on evidence, not hype. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/science/head-quarters/2017/jan/06/screen-time-guidelines-need-to-be-built-on-evidence-not-hype

Martin, K. (2011). Electronic overload: The impact of excessive screen use on child and adolescent health and wellbeing. Department of Sport and Recreation: Perth, Australia. Retrieved from https://www.natureplaywa.org.au/library/1/file/Resources/research/K%20Martin%202011%20Electronic%20Overload%20DSR%20(2).pdf

Page, A. S., Cooper, A. R., Griew, P. & Jago, R. (2010). Children’s screen viewing is related to psychological difficulties irrespective of physical activity. Pediatrics, 126(5), e1011-e1017. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2010-1154

Tripathi, M., & Mishra S. K. (2019). Screen time and adiposity among children and adolescents: a systematic review. Journal of Public Health, 1-18. Retrieved from https://www.springermedizin.de/screen-time-and-adiposity-among-children-and-adolescents-a-syste/16572112