Research Impact: Determinants of children’s sedentary behaviour are complex and multifaceted. Behavioural influences on children’s health are affected by parents, peers and others, such as schoolteachers. The aims of this study were to (1) examine the sedentary behaviour of primary school children, and associations with parents and teachers; and (2) examine the relationship between sedentary behaviour and child psychosocial variables (including self-esteem and emotional state). Children aged 9 – 10 years old (n=101), their 113 parents (n=113) and 9 teachers (n=9) participated in the study. Results indicated that children engaged in a high volume of sedentary behaviour (9.6 hours/day) but interrupted sedentary behaviour often. The study found no relationship between child and teacher sedentary behaviour during the school day and no relationship between child and parent sedentary behaviour during the after-school period. Furthermore, the total sedentary behaviour of children appears to be unrelated to mental health indicators, such as self-esteem. The high volume of time spent sedentary by 9–10 year-old primary school children is of concern. There is a need to further explore school practices and policies to reduce sedentary behaviour, as well as ways in which parents and other family members can encourage less sitting during after-school period.
Hegarty L, Murphy MH, Kirby K, Murtagh E, Mallett J, Mair JL (2020) The Influence of Role Models on the Sedentary Behaviour Patterns of Primary School-Aged Children and Associations with Psychosocial Aspects of Health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 17(15), 5345. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155345
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