The problem of increasing screen time on a phone during the day in children of middle school age and its impact on socialization and development of physical qualities (literature review)

REVIEWS

Keywords:
screen time middle-school-aged children mobile devices socialization physical health physical activity physical education экранное время дети среднего школьного возраста мобильные устройства социализация физическое здоровье физическая активность физическая культура

Abstract

This article presents an analytical review of current literature and substantiates ways to address the problem of increasing screen time on mobile devices in children through physical education. It examines the increasing daily screen time on mobile devices in middle-school-aged children (11–15 years old) and its impact on socialization and physical development. An analysis of current domestic and international research demonstrates that increased screen time is accompanied by decreased physical activity, deteriorating physical health indicators, and a deficit in social skills. Particular attention is given to the potential of physical education classes and extracurricular physical activity as a key resource for preventing the negative consequences of excessive use of digital technologies. Based on the anatomical, physiological, and social characteristics of middle-school-aged children, and drawing on major international studies, three main approaches to addressing the problem of increasing screen time in children are described. These include reducing recreational screen time by prioritizing physical activity in the daily routine, developing social skills through shared physical activity, and programmatic interventions to reduce screen time by increasing organized physical activity. Integrating interdisciplinary knowledge on digital hygiene into curricula, using physical activity as a resource for socialization and psychological resilience, will improve the effectiveness of preventing the negative consequences of excessive screen time in children.

Author Biographies

Diana A. Alhazishvili, National State University of Physical Education, Sports and Health named after P.F. Lesgaft

4th year student

Ilya V. Alkhazishvili, National State University of Physical Education, Sports and Health named after P.F. Lesgaft

4th year student

Maria A. Safronova, National State University of Physical Education, Sports and Health named after P.F. Lesgaft

Cand. Sci. (Pedagogical), Associate Professor, Department of Theory and Methodology of Physical Education

Konstantin M. Komissarchik, Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University

Dr. Sci. (Pedagogical), Head of the Department of Physical Education

Vladislav A. Goncharov, Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University

Teacher, Department of Physical Education

Alexander A. Shimansky, Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University

teacher, Department of Physical Education

Anastasiya A. Zuikova, Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University

Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Biophysics and Physics

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