While we’ve all become accustomed to screen time due largely to the lockdowns and restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, a new study reveals that, particularly when it comes to children, the key to increased happiness is greater in-person interaction rather than increased screen time.
The new study conducted by the University of South Australia (UniSA) and the Department for Education reveals that whether it’s sports practice, music lessons or a casual catch-up with friends, children’s well-being is heightened when they participate in extra-curricular activities, yet lowered when spending time on social media and video games.
The study
Published in BMC Pediatrics, the study analysed data from 61,759 school students in years 4 to 9 (via the 2018 South Australian Wellbeing and Engagement Collection), assessing the average number of days per week children participated in after-school activities (3-6 PM), and measure these against wellbeing factors – happiness, sadness, worry, engagement, perseverance, optimism, emotion regulation, and life satisfaction.
It found that most students watched TV about 4 days of the school week and spent time on social media about 3 days of the week.
‘A good sense of personal well-being is paramount’
With 1 in 7 children (the equivalent to about 560,000 children) suffering a mental health disorder and 1 in 10 having concerning levels of well-being, lead researcher, UniSA’s Dr Rosa Virgara says the research highlights an acute need to encourage children to participate in activities other than screens.
“Helping children develop a good sense of personal well-being is paramount in today’s uncertain environment,” says Dr Virgara.
“This is especially important for primary school-aged children as they’re learning about the challenges and risks that full-time school can present – but it’s equally important for teenagers who are facing a range of physical, social and emotional changes.
“Our study highlights how some out-of-school activities can boost children’s wellbeing, while others – particularly screens – can chip away at their mental and physical health.
“Screens are a massive distraction for children of all ages. Most parents will attest to this. And whether children are gaming, watching TV or on social media, there’s something about all screens that is damaging to their wellbeing.
“It’s interesting because you might think that it’s the lack of physical movement that’s causing this, yet our research shows that doing homework or reading – both sedentary activities – positively contribute to wellbeing, so it’s something else.
“In fact, we found that children’s wellbeing was higher when they participated in extra-curricular activities – even if they already reported being happy.
“What this shows is that we need to find ways to encourage children of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in activities that keep them away from TV, computers and mobile devices,” says Dr Virgara.
Socio-economic background
The research also highlights the distinct differences between children who come from low and high socio-economic backgrounds.
Students in lower socio-economic backgrounds who frequently played sports were 15% more likely to be optimistic, 14% more likely to be happy and satisfied with their life, and 10% more likely to be able to regulate their emotions.
Conversely, children who played video games and used social media almost always had lower levels of well-being: up to 9% less likely to be happy, up to 8% to be less optimism, and 11% to be more likely to give up on things.
“Children who were more at risk tended to come from lower socio-economic backgrounds, which indicates a clear need for greater support in these areas,” says Dr Virgara.
“As many of these children responded well to playing sports, education initiatives and continued funding of government programmes such as the State Government’s $100 School Sports Vouchers could be good options.
“All in all, the message is clear – gaming, watching TV, playing on computers, and scrolling through social media are not helping build or sustain positive wellbeing in children.
“It’s certainly a challenge, especially as most children have been brought up on devices. But if families can be more aware of the issues associated with screens, then perhaps we can find a better balance of screen time and other out-of-school activities.”
