“Hyperconnected” adolescents: sedentary screen time according to gender and type of day

Authors

  • Laura Simón-Montañes Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences. University of Zaragoza
  • Alberto Aibar Solana Faculty of Human and Educational Sciences. University of Zaragoza.
  • Luis García-Gonzalez Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences. University of Zaragoza.
  • Angel Abós Catalán Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences. University of Zaragoza.
  • Javier Sevil-Serrano Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences. University of Zaragoza.

Abstract

The research objective was to know the mean daily usage time of screen-based devices (Television [TV], computer, video games, and mobile phone), as well as compliance with screen time recommendations for these devices. Likewise, the differences in the four electronic devices were examined according to gender and type of day (i.e., weekdays and weekend). A total of 2021 adolescents (M age=14.23; SD=1.58; 51% female) completed a questionnaire on regular screen time usage. The young people reported a mean daily screen usage of 6 hours and 12 minutes, with 4% of them meeting screen time recommendations (<2 hours/day). No differences in total screen time usage were obtained according to gender. However, boys obtained higher values in the use of video games, while girls obtained higher values in the use of mobile phones and computers. Adolescents reported higher screen time values at weekends than on weekdays in terms of all four electronic devices analysed. On the basis of the high daily screen usage time, developing strategies towards the responsible use of video games in boys, and mobile phones and computers in girls, seems necessary, placing emphasis on weekend days.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Downloads

Published

2019-12-31 — Updated on 2020-07-12

Versions

Issue

Section

Original Research

Most read articles by the same author(s)