Does physical activity moderate the association between screen time and psychosocial development in early childhood? Analysis of a longitudinal infant cohort study in Ireland

Conclusions: Results support recommendations to establish greater balance between physical activity and sedentary behaviours in token economy systems to minimise the negative effects of excessive screen time.What is Known:• Provision of screen time has become normalised as a behavioural reinforcer for use with young children.• Screen viewing above recommended guidelines is associated with behavioural problems that reflect poor self-regulation.What is New:• Boys’ levels of engagement in physical activity moderated the relationship between screen time and changes in behavioural difficulties between the ages of 3 and 5 years.• Neither screen time nor physical activity was significantly associated with changes in prosocial behaviours between the ages of 3 and 5 years for either boys or girls.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research