Parental influences on screen time among children and adolescents and associated gender disparity / 中国学校卫生

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To analyze the effect of parental correlates on screen time among children and adolescents and to explore possible gender disparity,and to provide the reference for taking measures to control and prevent the phenomenon.@*Methods@#By stratified cluster sampling, 4 schools were selected from each of the urban middle school, urban primary school, rural middle school and rural primary school in Fangshan district, Beijing city. Students and parents in the selected school were recruited and investigated on general demographic characteristics and screen time. The effect of parental correlates on screen time and associated gender disparity were analyzed.@*Results@#The prevalence of high screen time among children and adolescents was 10.4%, with boys’(11.9%) higher than girls’(8.9%). Students whose father spent more than 180 min in moderate and vigorous physical activity weekly were at lower risk for high screen time(OR=0.64). Students whose father spent more than 120 min screen time during weekday or on average were at higher risk for high screen time(OR=1.88,1.91). Students whose mother spent more than 120 min screen during weekday, during weekend or on average were at higher risk for high screen time compared with control group(OR=1.87,1.52,1.76). Father’s screen time during weekday or on average showed impact on screen time of their daughters and sons. Mother’s screen time only showed impacts on their daughters.@*Conclusion@#A strong effect of parental daily screen time on children’s screen time has been observed. Parental practice and roles should be considered to tailor interventions for healthy screen time among children and adolescents.