Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Screen Time among High School Students
Summary Indicator Report Data View Options
Why Is This Important?
Research has shown that engaging in physical activity is important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The epidemic of childhood overweight and obesity can be partly attributed to the over-consumption of media by children.^[https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/family-action/index.html 1]^
Definition
The percentage of students who did not watch television, play video or computer games, or use a computer (except for school work) for 3 or more hours per day on an average school day
Data Source
New Jersey Student Health Survey, Office of Student Support Services, Division of Student Services and Career Readiness, New Jersey Department of Education(http://www.nj.gov/education/students/yrbs/)
How the Measure is Calculated
| Numerator: | The number of students who did not watch television, play video or computer games, or use a computer (except for school work) for 3 or more hours per day on an average school day |
| Denominator: | The total number of survey respondents |
How Are We Doing?
Screen time among high school students is increasing rather than decreasing, as desired. Decreases in television viewing time have been offset by increases in time spent playing video and computer games and using the internet.
More Resources
NJDOH Office of Nutrition and Fitness: [http://www.state.nj.us/health/nutrition/] [https://www.thecommunityguide.org/findings/obesity-behavioral-interventions-aim-reduce-recreational-sedentary-screen-time-among Behavioral Interventions that Aim to Reduce Recreational Sedentary Screen Time Among Children]
Footnote References
1. CDC, [https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/family-action/index.html Preventing Childhood Obesity: 6 Things Families Can Do], 1/26/24