The parental role in adolescent screen related sedentary behavior

Abstract

Abstract Background: Adolescents spend an increasing amount of their time engaged in screen using activities. The present study aimed at identifying parental factors associated with screen time among Greek adolescents. Methods: A sample of 1141 adolescents, as well as their parents, participated in this survey. Adolescents were asked to complete a questionnaire about time spent on screen-viewing behaviors. Respectively, parents completed a questionnaire concerning family predictors. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine correlates of adolescent screen-viewing with family predictors. Results: The mean screen time per weekday was 193 min. Adolescents, whose parents had received up to secondary school education, spend more time in screen-viewing compared with the other groups. Controlling adolescents’ gender and age, all the family variables (perceived rules, parental modeling, parents’ screen related sedentary behavior, parental concern for screen viewing, support for physical activity, parental education) were statistically significant in predicting adolescent screen time with Perceived Rules recording a higher negative beta value (β=−0.18, p<0.00). Conclusion: Perceived parental screen time rules play a role in the amount of screen time among adolescents. Interventions that focus on parental limit setting development and physical activity support may be effective in decreasing screen time among youth aged 13–15 years.