Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 19, 2026

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System ANS Activity in Toddlers - Resting and Developmental Challenges
08:22

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System ANS Activity in Toddlers - Resting and Developmental Challenges

Published on: February 25, 2016

16.0K

Demographic correlates of screen time and objectively measured sedentary time and physical activity among toddlers: a

Valerie Carson1, Nicholas Kuzik2

  • 1Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H9, Canada. vlcarson@ualberta.ca.

BMC Public Health
|February 15, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Identifying key demographic factors in toddlers is crucial for targeted interventions. Female toddlers, ethnic minorities, lower-income families, and those in non-center-based care need specific attention for screen time reduction.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Behavioral Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Understanding demographic correlates of sedentary behavior and physical activity in toddlers (12-35 months) is vital for early intervention.
  • Long-term behavioral patterns are often established during toddlerhood, highlighting the importance of this age group.
  • Limited research exists on the demographic factors influencing sedentary behavior and physical activity in this specific age range.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the associations between demographic correlates and specific types of sedentary behavior and physical activity in toddlers.
  • To identify demographic groups of toddlers most in need of interventions for sedentary behavior and physical activity.
  • To inform targeted public health strategies for promoting healthy habits in early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • Study involved 149 toddlers (19.0 ± 1.9 months) and their parents (33.7 ± 4.7 years) recruited from immunization clinics in Edmonton, Canada.
  • Data collected via the Parents' Role in Establishing healthy Physical activity and Sedentary behavior habits (PREPS) parental questionnaire and accelerometer-derived measurements.
  • Statistical analyses included simple and multiple linear regression models to assess associations between demographic variables and activity/sedentary behaviors.

Main Results:

  • Toddlers' age, sex (female), race/ethnicity (minority), household income (lower), and non-center-based child care were associated with increased screen time.
  • Female toddlers showed higher sedentary time and lower moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
  • Race/ethnicity (minority) and non-center-based child care were linked to higher video/computer game usage.

Conclusions:

  • Female toddlers, those from ethnic minority groups, lower-income families, and non-center-based care settings are key targets for screen time interventions.
  • Demographic factors, apart from sex, may not be primary targets for interventions related to objectively measured sedentary time and physical activity.
  • Findings emphasize the need for tailored approaches to address screen time disparities in toddlers.
Abstract

Keywords:
AccelerometerCorrelatesPhysical activityScreen timeSedentary behaviorToddlers

More Related Videos

Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity05:59

Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity

Published on: March 7, 2019

7.3K
Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training06:51

Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training

Published on: July 27, 2022

2.6K

Related Concept Videos

Physical Growth During Infancy and Toddlerhood01:18

Physical Growth During Infancy and Toddlerhood

Physical growth is especially rapid during the first three years of life, with the greatest rate in the first few months after birth. Although children continue to gain height and weight throughout infancy and toddlerhood, the rate of growth gradually slows during the second and third years. At most ages, boys are typically slightly taller and heavier than girls, reflecting a common pattern of early physical development.Changes in Body ProportionsAs infants become toddlers, their body...
Social Referencing During Infancy and Toddlerhood01:27

Social Referencing During Infancy and Toddlerhood

Social referencing is the process by which infants and young children use others’ emotional reactions to determine how to respond to unfamiliar or uncertain situations. Caregivers provide cues through facial expressions, tone of voice, and behavior, helping children judge whether an object or event is safe, threatening, or enjoyable. This ability supports emotional development, social learning, and adaptation to the surrounding environment.Development of Social ReferencingSocial referencing...
Emerging Sense of Self During Toddlerhood01:27

Emerging Sense of Self During Toddlerhood

Self-concept is an individual’s developing understanding of personal characteristics, abilities, and qualities. It supports self-awareness, the recognition of oneself as distinct from others, and influences behavior, emotions, and social interactions. During infancy and toddlerhood, self-concept emerges through perceptual experiences, language development, and feedback from caregivers.Mirror Self-RecognitionInfants show early interest in reflected images without initially recognizing themselves.
Socialization and Self-Regulation During Toddlerhood01:31

Socialization and Self-Regulation During Toddlerhood

Socialization is the developmental process through which children learn the habits, skills, values, and motives needed to function effectively in society. It begins within the family and later expands to peers, schools, and cultural institutions.From Compliance to InternalizationEarly socialization often involves compliance, in which children follow parental expectations to gain approval or rewards and avoid punishment. With development, compliance gradually shifts toward internalization, the...
Relationships with Peers During Infancy and Toddlerhood01:26

Relationships with Peers During Infancy and Toddlerhood

Infants and toddlers show early interest in peers, especially children of similar age and developmental level. Between 6 and 12 months, infants increasingly touch, smile at, and babble to one another. These brief interactions often happen alongside individual play rather than as coordinated activity.Early Peer InteractionAround the first birthday, children begin sharing objects, making eye contact, smiling, and approaching peers. Behaviors such as hitting, grabbing, or repeated touching may...
Socialization and Conscience During Toddlerhood01:24

Socialization and Conscience During Toddlerhood

Socialization is the process through which children acquire the habits, skills, values, and motives needed to function within families and communities. A major goal of socialization is the development of “a conscience,” an internal system that helps children regulate their behavior, avoid prohibited actions, and experience discomfort after wrongdoing.Research shows that conscience develops through several related but distinct forms of compliance and cooperation.Situational and Committed...