Researchers have found that primary school children are less active, more likely to be on screens, and tend to have a worse diet than on holidays rather than during the school tenure.
The study was published in the journal ‘Pediatric Obesity’. Assessing responses for 358 primary school students (Grade 4 and 5), researchers found that on holidays, children were likely to be 12 minutes less active each day, 27 minutes more sedentary, and have more than an hour extra of screen time.
Children (aged 9-10) spent 39 per cent more time using screens during the school holidays than during the school year.
According to Dr Amanda Watson of the University of South Australia, children may gain weight faster and have worse health during the holidays because they move less and consume more unhealthy foods.
“Everyone is excited when school holidays come around – it’s a break from the daily routine, classrooms, and getting ready on time – but despite the obvious benefits, it can have some setback for kids,” Dr Amanda Watson says.
“Our study shows that during school holidays, children are more likely to display unhealthy behaviours, such as being less active, spending more time sitting, eating more junk food, and (perhaps unsurprisingly) watching a whole lot more TV or screens”.
“Of course, it is important for children to get some quality downtime over the school break, but it’s equally important that they stay active and get enough exercise”.
“If we add more structure to children’s days in the holidays – regular activities, planned lunch and snack breaks, as well as a limit on the amount of screen time kids have – we could encourage healthier behaviours to benefit them now and in the future.”
In Australia, one in four children (25 per cent) are overweight or obese, contributing to poorer health and well-being and worse performance at school.
According to senior researcher Professor Carol Maher of UniSA, screen usage is one of the largest risk factors for children’s inactivity.
Professor Carol Maher said, “Managing screen time is a challenge for many parents, and not only in the holidays”.
“Being inactive for extended periods, either watching TV or playing games, is not good for anyone’s health, not the least children”.
“So, when research shows us that even one extra hour of screen time a day corresponds with a 13 per cent increased risk of obesity, it is time to rethink computer time”.
“Everyone can benefit from being more active. These holidays could be just what you need to make more positive changes to you and your children’s activity levels, overall well-being, and health.”
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