Assessing the Effect of Screen Time on Physical Activity in Children Based on Parent-Reported Data: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The rise in screen time among children has raised concerns about its impact on physical activity and overall health. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), rapid urbanization, high digital accessibility, and increasing childhood obesity rates necessitate further investigation into this relationship. This study aims to assess the impact of screen time on the physical activity and BMI of children aged 4 to 17 years in the UAE, using parent-reported data. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study involving a target group of parents of children attending UAE schools. A self-administered questionnaire collected data on screen time, physical activity, eating habits, weight, and height of children. In this study, 'weekday' refers to school days, which vary by emirate. For instance, in Dubai, the school week runs from Monday to Friday, while in Sharjah, it runs from Monday to Thursday. Weekend screen time was not assessed in the study. BMI classifications followed CDC guidelines. Data from 300 participants were analyzed using SPSS, version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), applying chi-square tests with a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS A significant proportion (37.7%) of children spent more than seven hours per weekday on screens, with screen time increasing with age. High screen time was associated with lower physical activity levels, as 68.8% of children who exceeded seven hours of screen time did not participate in any physical activity. A strong correlation was observed between screen time and BMI, with higher screen exposure linked to overweight and obesity. CONCLUSION Excessive screen time negatively impacts children's physical activity and BMI, contributing to obesity concerns in the UAE. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions involving parents, schools, and policymakers to reduce screen time and encourage active lifestyles.