Evaluation of parental attitudes on the use and effect of technology on physical activity levels in children aged 7 to 11 - A knowledge elicitation study

Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate parental attitudes to the use and effects of technology on physical activity levels of children aged 7 to 11.
Methods
A web-based questionnaire was completed by parents of 7–11 year-old children who had access to technological devices. Pearson's chi-square test was used to determine if there were differences based on child's gender or parental occupation. Themes were identified and evaluated using content analysis.
Results
There were 197 respondents providing information on 231 children. Children commonly had access to at least 3 devices at home. 53.3% of respondents did not feel that technology use had an impact on the physical activity of their children compared to 46.8% who thought it had a negative effect. There were no difference based on child's gender or parent occupation.
Conclusions
Most parents do not believe that technology use negatively impacts upon their child's physical activity and suggest that enjoyment of physical activity and setting access rules account for this. However, a substantial number believe it has a negative impact and suggest less access to technology would result in an increase to activity levels. Technological interventions that include restrictive mediation approaches and strategies to enhance physical literacy may be beneficial.