Tracking TV and Video Game Use in Children
Author Information
Author(s): Francis Shelby L, Stancel Matthew J, Sernulka-George Frances D, Broffitt Barbara, Levy Steven M, Janz Kathleen F
Primary Institution: University of Iowa
Hypothesis
This study examines the tracking of TV viewing and video game use from middle childhood through early adolescence.
Conclusion
TV viewing and video game use are moderately stable throughout childhood and predictive of later behavior.
Supporting Evidence
- TV viewing stability coefficients were 0.35 for boys and 0.32 for girls.
- Video game use stability coefficients were lower, at 0.14 for boys and 0.24 for girls.
- Overfat children showed higher odds ratios for maintaining high levels of TV viewing.
Takeaway
Kids who watch a lot of TV or play video games tend to keep doing it as they grow up, which can be bad for their health.
Methodology
TV viewing and video game use were measured at ages 5, 8, 11, and 13 via parental and self-report, with additional measures for physical activity and body fat.
Potential Biases
Parental report of children's sedentary behavior is less accurate than direct observation.
Limitations
Limited representation of minorities and low SES households; reliance on parental reports for children's sedentary behavior.
Participant Demographics
Participants were predominantly white, with nearly two-thirds of parents having some college education and a family income of $20,000 or greater.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 0.26, 0.44
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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