Background/Purpose: Increasing rates of childhood obesity have inspired researchers to develop intervention and prevention programs, the majority of which focus on changing children's diet and exercise habits. Although diet and exercise are valid targets for change, another major contributor to childhood obesity is the time children spend in sedentary activities, primarily in front of television and computer screens. A school-based, family-partnered intervention focusing on experiential mediation (using media as a platform to foster real-world experiences) and screen time reduction was developed.
Method: Kindergarteners from low-income, rural, public schools participated in the intervention. Independent measures were taken of children's height and weight, attitude toward physical activity, affinity for screen media, concerns about health and media, and perceived ability to reduce screen time at three points: 1) baseline, 2) 5-6 weeks following baseline, and 3) immediately following the 6-week intervention. Parents were sent surveys at these data collection points to measure home access to screens, time spent in physical activities and with media, and use of the intervention materials.
Analysis/Results: This program had a greater effect on media use, and on attitudes about media and about physical activity than on physical activity levels. Moreover, the program was well received by parents and lead to behavior change in their reported parenting and household activities.
Conclusions: Feasible solutions are needed to reduce the modifiable risk factors associated with childhood obesity. Moderate screen time attitudes and behaviors should become part of the many other habits and skills children learn and develop to grow up healthy.