Study Warns of Growing Sedentary Habits Among Preschoolers Worldwide
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
As sedentary lifestyles become more common across the globe, even the youngest children are being affected. A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that only 14% of preschool-aged children meet the World Health Organization guidelines for physical activity, screen time, and sleep. These findings raise concerns about the long-term health of children who aren't getting enough movement during this critical stage of development.
The study, which looked at data from more than 7,000 children in 33 countries, measured how well preschoolers are following WHO’s recommendations. These guidelines suggest at least 180 minutes of physical activity each day, with 60 minutes being moderate to vigorous, no more than one hour of screen time, and 10 to 13 hours of sleep each night.
However, the results show that only 14.3% of children are meeting all three guidelines. The numbers vary by region, with Africa showing the highest compliance at 24%, and the Americas the lowest at just 8%. Even in high-income countries, where resources are often more available, only 14.4% of children met the full set of recommendations.
The study also pointed to some differences between boys and girls. While 17% of boys met all the guidelines, only 13% of girls did. Boys were more likely to meet the physical activity recommendations, while girls were more likely to stay within the screen time and sleep guidelines. These differences suggest that different approaches may be needed to help both boys and girls improve their activity levels and overall health habits.
Economic status also played a role in how well children followed the guidelines. In low-income countries, 17% of children met all three recommendations, compared to 12% in middle-income countries and 14% in high-income countries. While children in wealthier nations were generally more active and had better sleep habits, they also had higher levels of screen time, which balanced out the positive impacts of physical activity and sleep.
In middle-income countries, the rise in screen time, combined with a lack of infrastructure for physical activity, contributed to lower adherence to the guidelines overall.
Children who don’t meet these movement guidelines are at greater risk for health issues like obesity, developmental delays, and social and emotional difficulties. Early childhood is a crucial time for developing healthy habits, and the study’s findings suggest that many children may be at risk of long-term health problems if these trends continue.
The study underscores the importance of developing strategies to promote physical activity, limit screen time, and improve sleep among young children. Fitness professionals, educators, and policymakers can all play a role in creating programs that encourage healthier lifestyles. Solutions may need to be adapted to different regions and economic situations to address the unique challenges each group faces.
Early intervention is key. Helping children develop healthy movement habits at a young age can have lasting positive effects on their physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Addressing these gaps now could make a significant difference in shaping the long-term health of the next generation.
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