COVID-19 Impact on Behaviors across the 24-Hour Day in Children and Adolescents: Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep

Abstract

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, social restrictions to contain the spread of the virus have disrupted behaviors across the 24-h day including physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep among children (5–12 years old) and adolescents (13–17 years old). Preliminary evidence reports significant decreases in physical activity, increases in sedentary behavior, and disrupted sleep schedules/sleep quality in children and adolescents. This commentary discusses the impact of COVID-19-related restrictions on behaviors across the 24-h day in children and adolescents. Furthermore, we suggest recommendations through the lens of a socio-ecological model to provide strategies for lasting behavior change to insure the health and well-being of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Association Between Child ADHD Symptoms and Changes in Parental Involvement in Kindergarten Children’s Learning During COVID-19

“…A substantial body of research has found that physical activity is useful to manage ADHD symptoms (Hoza et al, 2016), and routine, stability, and consistency are particularly important for children with behavioral problems (Harris et al, 2014). The loss of consistent schedules, recesses, gym class, extracurricular sports, and all access to public parks including play structures has led to more sedentary behaviors and decreased consistency and structure (Bates et al, 2020), which may be responsible for increased symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. It is also possible that because parents are spending more time with their children focused on academic work, they are more aware of their children's difficulties with sustaining attention or being hyperactive and impulsive.…”

Sociodemographic Predictors of Changes in Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Sleep among Toddlers and Preschoolers in Chile during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…On 17 March, all national parks were closed, and on 26 March some districts enforced lockdowns and curfews [ 3 ]. These restrictions likely had a negative impact on young children’s movement behaviors, (physical activity, sedentary behavior—including screen time, and sleep) [ 4 , 5 ]. Global guidelines recommend that children aged 1 to 5 should accumulate at least 180 min of physical activity, engage in no more than 1 h sedentary screen time (none for 1-year-olds), and have between 11–14 h (1- to 2-year-olds) and 10 to 13 h (3- to 5-year-olds) good-quality sleep per night [ 6 , 7 ].…”

“…Limiting young children’s ability to meet these recommendations may have long-term health consequences [ 4 , 8 ]. Studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic have shown that children and adolescents have decreased physical activity, increased screen time, and slightly increased sleep duration [ 5 ]. However, there is a lack of data regarding the impact of COVID-19 on movement behaviors in children under 5 years of age and from Latin-American countries.…”

Sociodemographic Predictors of Changes in Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Sleep Among Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers in Chile During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…[3] These restrictions likely had a negative impact on young children's movement behaviours, (physical activity, sedentary behaviour -including screen time, and sleep). [4,5] Global guidelines recommend that children aged 1 to 5 should accumulate at least 180 min of physical activity, engage in no more than 1 h sedentary screen time (none for 1-year olds), and have between 11-14 h (1-to 2-year olds) and 10 to 13 h (3-to 5-year olds) good-quality sleep per night. [6,7] Limiting young children's ability to meet these recommendations may have long-term health consequences.…”

“…[4,8] Studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic have shown that children and adolescents have decreased physical activity, increased screen time, and slightly increased sleep duration. [5] However, there is a lack of data regarding the impact of COVID-19 on movement behaviours in children under 5 years of age and from Latin-American countries.…”