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Digital Tools Boost Child Health
22 Nov
Summary
- Digital tools significantly improve children's physical activity, diet, and weight.
- Mobile apps are best for diet and weight, wearables for reducing sitting time.
- Shorter programs boost activity, longer ones manage weight effectively.
A recent study analyzing data from over 133,000 children and teens reveals that digital tools can positively impact health behaviors. Researchers found that health apps, fitness trackers, and online programs effectively improved physical activity, diet, and weight outcomes. Mobile applications demonstrated the strongest influence on diet and weight, whereas wearable devices proved most effective in decreasing sedentary periods.
Program length also plays a crucial role, with interventions lasting eight weeks or less showing the greatest impact on physical activity levels. Conversely, longer programs of 12 weeks or more were more successful in weight management. These findings are particularly relevant given global concerns about childhood inactivity and obesity, where high percentages of adolescents do not meet recommended activity levels and are overweight or obese.
Lead researcher Ben Singh emphasized that technology's inherent appeal to young people makes these tools highly accessible and scalable for integration into schools and community initiatives. By combining digital interventions with light human support, such as from teachers or health coaches, motivation can be sustained, creating an opportunity to establish healthy habits early in life that can last a lifetime.
