Screens—the devices children won’t release and parents continuously worry about—may not be entirely harmful after all, according to new research.
Researchers at the University of South Australia analyzed data from more than 133,000 children and teens under age 18, discovering that digital tools such as health apps, fitness trackers, and online programs helped improve physical activity, diet, and weight outcomes.
Key Findings
The study revealed several positive effects:
- Children and teens using digital health tools became more physically active, gaining approximately 10 to 20 extra minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily
- They improved their eating habits, consuming more fruits and vegetables and fewer high-fat foods
- Weight changes were modest, but steady improvements occurred in body weight and body fat
- Some programs helped reduce sedentary time by 20 to 25 minutes per day
- Sleep patterns, however, showed no clear improvement
Different tools proved most effective for specific goals. Mobile apps had the strongest impact on diet and weight, while wearable devices like fitness trackers worked best for reducing sitting time.
Program duration also played a role. Shorter programs of eight weeks or less were most effective for increasing physical activity, while longer programs of 12 weeks or more proved more successful for weight management.
Expert Perspective
Lead researcher Ben Singh stated in a news release: “Even though most young people know the importance of eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep, many still fall short of the recommended health guidelines, putting them at greater risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.”
He added: “Our research shows that digital health tools and apps can significantly improve children’s physical activity, diet and weight outcomes, putting them on a better health trajectory for life.”
Singh noted that children and teens’ familiarity with technology makes these tools particularly accessible.
He explained: “Because children and teens have grown up with technology, they’re naturally open to using apps. They’re accessible, engaging, and easy to scale, which makes them a great choice for schools and community programs to promote healthier lifestyles.”
Global Health Context
These findings emerge amid ongoing concerns about childhood inactivity and obesity worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80% of teenagers aren’t sufficiently active, and approximately 390 million children and teens ages 5 to 19 are overweight, including 160 million with obesity.
The study, published recently in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, synthesized findings from 25 systematic reviews examining tools including mobile apps, wearables, text messaging, video games, and other online platforms.
Implementation Opportunities
Singh suggested schools and policymakers could leverage these results to incorporate more digital health tools into everyday environments.
He stated: “By integrating evidence-based apps and wearables into schools, primary care and community programs, we can make healthy habits more appealing and accessible for young people.”
Singh also emphasized the value of combining digital tools with human support: “Combining digital tools with light human support — from teachers, parents or health coaches — can also help keep motivation high. If we can encourage the use of healthy digital tools from a young age, we have a real opportunity to help children and teens form healthier habits that last a lifetime.”
This research suggests that thoughtfully designed digital health interventions may offer practical solutions for addressing childhood health challenges, transforming screen time from a source of concern into a tool for promoting wellness.