“If there wasn't the technology then I would probably be out everyday”: A qualitative study of children's strategies to reduce their screen viewing

Reducing youth screen time: Qualitative metasynthesis of findings on barriers and facilitators.

“…This is evidenced in that most youth in the studies reviewed spent 3 to 4 hr per weekday on various screen-related activities, which increased based on temporality of weekends, social gatherings, and school breaks. Time spent engaged with screens also had an “addictive” component, as demonstrated by the reaction of a girl to the suggestion of reducing screen time: “They bring out new episodes of what channels we like and I think if we stop watching what we want, like we miss the new episodes” (quotation by Youth; Sebire, Jago, Gorely, Hoyos Cillero, & Biddle, 2011, p. 304). Further, screen time, particularly TV time, was interspersed throughout the day and was often a part of family meals.…”

“…Despite the pervasive use of screen time in the home setting, youth viewed the quantity of screen time as excessive at times, prompting a desire to reduce screen time despite not knowing what activity could replace screen time, as stated by one girl: “I think it would be quite useful because sometimes you find yourself watching tele just because you don’t know what else to do” (Youth; Sebire et al, 2011, p. 304). One study that examined strategies to reduce screen time among highly active youth found that youth’s individual preference to be physically active, including a preference for spending time playing outside or sport, was the main factor that influenced the amount of time they spent engaged in screen time (Veitch, Arundell, et al, 2013).…”

“…However, other youth simply suggested switching to another screen-based media device, as stated by one girl:

I try and not watch the TV as much because it is something that you are kind of lazy with, you don’t have to press any buttons or do anything. It is easier to do than going on an iPod or Nintendo.

(Youth; Sebire et al, 2011, p. 304)…”

“…. their problem solving skills are poor” (Sebire et al, 2011, p. 34). Some parents were also concerned that excessive screen time impacts sleep and may contribute to injuries, such as repetitive strain injury.…”

Self-reported bedtimes, television-viewing habits and parental restrictions among Finnish schoolchildren (aged 10–11 years, and 2 years later aged 12–13 years): Perspectives for health

“…Additionally, as Sebire et al (2011) have concluded, the time children spend viewing screens seems to be at least partially 'filling the lonely hours at home'. Even though current recommendations suggest that children should be exposed to no more than 1-2 hours of screen time (including television) per day, 54% of girls and 58% of boys (aged 11 years, Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) average) watch television for ⩾2 hours on any given weekday (Currie et al, 2012).…”