A study recently conducted by the University of British Columbia has found that just almost no adolescents in the province are meeting sleep, exercise, and screen time recommendations.
Researchers determined that adhering to the guidelines was correlated with overall physical and mental wellbeing.
The study, published in BioMed Central Public Health journal on March 6, relied on self-reported data from 29,974 children in Grades 6 through 8 who completed the Middle Years Development Instrument survey in 2023.
Participants were asked to record how much time they spent sleeping, exercising, and looking at screens throughout the day. That information was then compared with the recommendations set forth by the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth.
The guidelines suggest 5 to 13-year-olds need at least one hour of physical activity per day, nine hours of sleep, and no more than two hours of screen time. The recommendations are the same for those over 13, save for the sleep requirements, which are reduced to eight hours.
Researchers found that 73% of respondents (76% of boys and 70% of girls) got enough sleep, 69% (76% of boys and 63% of girls) got enough physical activity, and just 14% (11% of boys and 17% of girls) met the screen time recommendations.
Only 4% of those who took part in the study met all three recommendation. Meanwhile, 15% (12% of boys and 19% of girls) met none of them. Sleep was the most attained goal, followed by exercise, and screen time. Just 1% (0.6% of boys and 1.4% of girls) stayed under the guidelines pertaining to the latter.
Both boys and girls who met all the requirements were more likely than their peers to be optimistic and "satisfied with life." They also showed fewer depressive symptoms.
Researchers said the findings "highlight the importance of promoting adherence to all three components of the 24-Hour Guidelines, particularly in reducing screen time and ensuring adequate sleep, to support the mental well-being of adolescents."
They suggested that "tailored interventions that consider sex differences may be especially beneficial in addressing the unique needs of boys and girls in promoting their overall well-being."