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Screen time, social media use, and weight-change behaviors: Results from an international sample of adolescents.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Ganson, Kyle T 
Nagata, Jason M 
Jones, Catrin P 
Testa, Alexander 
Jackson, Dylan B 

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate whether screen time and social media use are associated with weight-change behaviors among an international sample of adolescents. Cross-sectional data from the 2020 International Food Policy Study Youth Survey (ages 10-17; Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, United Kingdom, United States; N = 12,031) were analyzed. Self-reported hours of use of five forms of screen time (e.g., social media use), and total screen time per weekday were assessed. Use of six contemporary social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) were also assessed. Weight-change behaviors included current attempts to gain weight, lose weight, stay the same weight, and not do anything to change weight, as well as dieting to lose weight in the past 12 months. Greater total screen time per weekday was associated with attempts to gain weight and lose weight, and dieting to lose weight. Specific social media platform use was associated with weight-change behaviors. For example, use of Twitter was most strongly associated with attempts to gain weight, lose weight, and dieting to lose weight. Findings underscore the international pervasiveness of screen time and social media use correlating with weight-change behaviors among adolescents. Global efforts are needed to ensure the appropriate use of screens and social media among adolescents.

Description

Keywords

Adolescents, Screen time, Social media, Weight-change behaviors, Humans, Adolescent, United States, Child, Social Media, Cross-Sectional Studies, Screen Time, Surveys and Questionnaires, Weight Loss

Journal Title

Prev Med

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0091-7435
1096-0260

Volume Title

168

Publisher

Elsevier BV
Sponsorship
MRC (MC_UU_00006/7)