Ann Arbor Times

A recent study from the University of Michigan highlights the role of neighborhood environments in determining the success of programs aimed at reducing children's screen time. The research, published in the journal Health and Place, suggests that children with access to outdoor play areas benefit more from these interventions.

Lead author Ian-Marshall Lang, a researcher at U-M’s School of Kinesiology, noted that "programs are less successful in neighborhoods where children have less access to green spaces," such as forests and open spaces. Lang emphasized the disparities in green space availability across racial and ethnic lines: "This raises the question of who has access to high green space. Both our study and national data show green space is less common in communities with higher Hispanic and Black populations."

The study analyzed data from the Healthy Communities Study, focusing on community programs' impact on obesity-related behaviors among diverse children. It found that two-thirds of children aged 6 to 17 exceed recommended daily screen time limits. Programs providing education for parents or physical activities for children were more effective when outdoor play areas were available.

Lang explained, “Neighborhood green spaces may draw children out of the house and give them an alternative space to engage in activities other than screen time.” He added that simply intensifying these programs might not be enough without supportive environments.

The research also showed that neighborhoods with significant Black populations had higher instances of exceeding screen time limits due to limited green space. Lang stated, “More intense programs were associated with lower screen time in places with plenty of green space nearby.”

The findings suggest a need for equitable investments in green spaces to enhance children's health outcomes. Lang mentioned initiatives like the 10-Minute Walk Program as potential solutions: “Our findings provide evidence-based support for initiatives...to address inequities in green space access.”

Funding for this research came from various institutes under award number R01HL137731, including contributions from University of Michigan co-authors Natalie Colabianchi and others.