03/17/2026
Physical activity is essential for children’s health and helps reduce the risk of obesity throughout life. Many parents worry about screen time—and for good reason. While not all screen time is harmful, excessive use can replace active play, which is critical for physical and mental development.
A 2022 randomized trial found that reducing screen use within the whole family increased children’s physical activity by nearly 45 minutes per day. In the study, both parents and children (average age 8.6) gave up smartphones and tablets for two weeks. Instead, they used flip phones for calls and texts, while adults had limited access to their devices for work when necessary. Interestingly, adults also showed a small increase in activity.
These findings suggest that smartphones and tablets strongly influence daily movement habits, and meaningful changes in activity levels may require significant reductions in screen exposure.
Other approaches—such as school-based education programs, parental screen-time controls, or behavioral contracts—have had mixed or limited success. Some reduced screen time but did not significantly increase children’s physical activity.
Sometimes the most effective change is also the simplest: less screen time can create more space for movement, play, and healthier habits.
