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Sedentary Behavior among 6-14-Year-Old Children during the COVID-19 Lockdown and Its Relation to Physical and Mental

Rima Breidokienė1, Roma Jusienė1, Vaidotas Urbonas2

  • 1Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University, 01513 Vilnius, Lithuania.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lithuanian children experienced increased screen time and reduced physical activity. Parental distress significantly impacted children's physical and emotional health, highlighting the need for parental support.

Area of Science:

  • Child Health
  • Psychology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions led to increased sedentary behavior in children globally.
  • Limited physical activity and altered routines may negatively impact children's physical and mental well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the links between children's sedentary behavior, physical activity, health (mental and physical), and parental distress.
  • To analyze these factors in Lithuanian children aged 6-14 during the March-June 2020 pandemic lockdown.

Main Methods:

  • An online survey was administered to parents of 306 children (52.9% female).
  • Data collected included children's recreational and educational screen time, physical activity levels, outdoor time, somatic symptoms, and emotional well-being.
  • Parental reports on family stressors and personal distress were also gathered.

Main Results:

  • Over half (57.5%) of children exceeded recommended recreational screen time limits (2 hours/day).
  • More than a third (33.6%) did not meet physical activity guidelines (60 minutes/day).
  • Extended educational screen time and parental distress predicted increased somatic symptoms; parental distress also predicted poorer emotional well-being and behavior.

Conclusions:

  • Parental distress is a significant factor influencing children's physical and mental health outcomes during pandemic lockdowns.
  • Interventions supporting parents experiencing distress are crucial for mitigating negative impacts on children's well-being.
  • Addressing sedentary behavior and promoting physical activity remain important for child health during public health crises.

Keywords:
COVID-19physical activityscreen timesedentary behavior

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