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A recent study from the University of Michigan reveals that efforts to reduce children’s screen time are significantly less effective in neighborhoods with limited access to green spaces. The research, led by Ian-Marshall Lang, a researcher at U-M’s School of Kinesiology, highlights how community programs aimed at curbing excessive screen use fare better when children have places to play outside. The study, published in Health and Place, underscores the disparities in green space availability and their impact on health initiatives.
The findings suggest that children in areas with insufficient green space, such as forests, open grasslands, or shrublands, are less likely to benefit from community-driven programs that aim to reduce screen time. “Neighborhood green spaces may draw children out of the house and offer alternatives to screen-based activities,” said Lang. “In areas where green space is sparse, the environment is less encouraging for behavior change, making these programs less successful.”
Through the Healthy Communities Study, Lang and colleagues analyzed data from racially and ethnically diverse children across the United States. The study found that neighborhoods with larger populations of Black and Hispanic residents often have less access to green space. This aligns with national trends showing that green spaces are less common in communities with higher proportions of these populations, leading to disparities in both health outcomes and the success of screen time reduction programs.
About two-thirds of children aged 6 to 17 exceed the recommended limit of two hours of screen time each day. Programs designed to mitigate this include community-based education for parents and no-cost physical activity opportunities for children. However, these initiatives are notably more effective when children have accessible outdoor spaces to engage in physical activities.
In neighborhoods where more than 30% of residents are Black, children were found to be more likely to exceed screen time limits. Furthermore, neighborhoods with a significant proportion of both Black and Hispanic residents also tended to lack sufficient green space. This pattern shows a clear link between both racial/ethnic composition and the availability of outdoor play areas, which may contribute to inequities in health and screen time outcomes.
“More intense programs were associated with lower screen time in areas with plentiful green space,” said Lang. “But in areas with limited green space, even the most rigorous programs fell short.”
These findings emphasize that simply increasing the intensity of screen-time reduction programs is not enough, particularly in environments lacking supportive outdoor spaces. The researchers call for solutions that address the root cause of these disparities—unequal access to green space.
The study highlights the importance of initiatives like the 10-Minute Walk Program, which advocates for ensuring that everyone in U.S. cities has access to a quality park within a 10-minute walk of their home. Lang emphasizes that equitable investments in green spaces are crucial to supporting the health of children and ensuring the success of community programs aimed at reducing screen time.
University of Michigan co-authors of the study included Natalie Colabianchi, Anna Fischer, Cathy Antonakos, Stephanie Miller, and Rebecca Hasson. The research was also supported by Russell Pate of the University of South Carolina and Vicki Collie-Akers of the University of Kansas.
As the debate around childhood screen time continues, this study serves as a reminder that true change must address the inequalities in the environments that shape children’s daily lives. Only by ensuring equitable access to green spaces can we hope to make meaningful progress in reducing screen time and promoting healthier lifestyles for all children.
For more information, the full study can be accessed in Health and Place.
