Changes and correlates of screen time in adults and children during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Trott M, Driscoll R, Irlado E, Pardhan S
EClinicalMedicine · 153 citations
How it was studied
- Design
- Meta-analysis (classified by our AI screen)
- Studied in
- People
- Main outcome
- No health outcome
Who paid for it
- Funding
- Independent funding
Based on full-text disclosure statement.
Publication
- Published
- 2022-05-21 · EClinicalMedicine · vol. 48 · p. 101452
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Cited
- 272 citations · more than 100% of similar papers · 17.3× the field average
- Impact
- Top 10% most cited in its field
- References
- 161 works
- Access
- Open access (journal) · OTHER-OA
- Research areas
- Child Development and Digital Technology · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation
- Keywords
- screen time, COVID-19 pandemic, leisure screen time, children, adolescents, adults, age differences, dietary behaviour, sleep, mental health, parental health, eye health, physical activity, sedentary behavior, social isolation, social distancing, remote work, distance education
4 authors
From GB
- Mike Trott · correspondingAnglia Ruskin University
- Robin DriscollAnglia Ruskin University
- Enrico IraldoAnglia Ruskin University
- Shahina PardhanAnglia Ruskin University
Abstract
Background
Screen time has increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and several correlates have been associated with these increases. These changes, however, have not been aggregated. It was the aim of this review to (a) aggregate changes in screen time in adults and children, and (b) report on variables in relation to screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
A systematic review of major databases was undertaken for studies published from inception to 06/12/2021, using a pre-published protocol (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021261422). Studies reporting (a) screen time pre-versus-during the pandemic, (b) screen time percentage change, or (c) correlates of screen time during the pandemic were included. A random effects meta-analysis was undertaken with subgroup analysis by age group and type of screen time.
Findings
After review, 89 studies (n = 204,734; median age=20·6; median female=53·3%) were included. The majority of studies were cross-sectional. With regards to total screen time, primary aged children (6-10 years) reported largest increases (1·4 hrs/day; 95%CI 1·1-1·7), followed by adults (>18 years; 1·0 hrs/day; 95%CI 0·7-1·2), adolescents (11-17 years; 0·9 hrs/day; 95%CI 0·3-1·5), and young children (0-5 years; 0·6 hrs/day 95%CI 0·3-0·9 hrs/day). For leisure screen time (non-work/non-academic), primary aged children reported largest increases (1·0 hrs/day 95%CI 0·8-1·3), followed by adults (0·7hr/day 95%CI 0·3-1·2), young children (0·6 hrs/day; 95%CI 0·4-0·8), with adolescents reporting the lowest increase (0·5 hrs/day 95%CI 0·3-0·7). Several correlates were associated with reported increases in screen time, including adverse dietary behaviours, sleep, mental health, parental health, and eye health.
Interpretation
Pooled evidence suggest that primary aged children reported the highest increase in both total and leisure screen time during COVID-19. It is recommended that screen time should be reduced in favour of non-sedentary activities. This study has the potential to inform public health policy and future guidance regarding screen time, and to inform future research in this area.
Funding
No funding was received for this study.
Abstract via Europe PMC. Copyright remains with the authors or publisher (CC BY).
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