Mobile phones and endless screen time are the bane of parents the world over. But while technology is often blamed for poor health in children and teenagers, new University of South Australia research suggests that the same devices could also be part of the solution.
In the largest global analysis of its kind, UniSA researchers reviewed data from more than 133,000 young people (under 18 years), finding that health apps, wearables, and interactive programs can help improve physical activity, diet, and weight outcomes for children and teens.
The researchers found apps and wearable technology delivered:
- More movement: Kids using digital health tools were more active overall, with noticeable boosts in moderate and vigorous physical activity. This translates to roughly 10-20 extra minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity each day.
- Better diets: Apps and online programs helped children eat more fruit and vegetables and cut back on fatty foods.
- Healthier weight: While the changes were small, participants showed steady improvements in body weight and body fat levels.
- Less sitting: Some programs helped children and teens spend about 20-25 minutes less per day sitting or on screens.
- Sleep unchanged: There was no clear evidence that digital tools improved sleep.
Some technologies worked better than others: mobile apps had the greatest impact on diet and weight outcomes, while wearables (such as fitness trackers) were most effective for reducing sedentary time.
Additionally, exercise programs that were shorter (eight weeks or under) had the biggest effect on boosting activity, while longer programs (running 12 weeks or more) were better for weight management.
Lead researcher, UniSA's Dr Ben Singh, says electronic health (e-Health) and mobile health (m-Health) interventions show strong promise for promoting healthy behaviours among children and teens.
"Even though most young people know the importance of eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep, many still fall short of the recommended health guidelines, putting them at greater risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease," Dr Singh says.
"Digital health tools such as wearables, fitness apps, and online programs could help turn this around by motivating kids to be more active and eat better.
"Our research shows that digital health tools and apps can significantly improve children's physical activity, diet and weight outcomes, putting them on a better health trajectory for life.
"Because children and teens have grown up with technology, they're naturally open to using apps. They're accessible, engaging, and easy to scale, which makes them a great choice for schools and community programs to promote healthier lifestyles."
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of teenagers do not meet recommended levels of physical activity; 390 million children (5-19 years) are overweight, including 160 million with obesity. In Australia, one in five children are overweight or obese, with less than a quarter of children (5-14 years) getting an hour of physical activity each day.
This systematic umbrella review and meta-meta-analysis combined 25 systematic reviews to assess how digital health tools, such as mobile apps, text messages, wearables, active video games and web-based programs can influence physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, diet and weight outcomes.
Dr Singh says policymakers and educators can use these findings to embed digital health tools into wellbeing strategies for children and teens, helping to build healthier lifelong habits.
"We know that features such as gamification, tailored messaging, and machine learning can boost engagement," Dr Singh says.
"By integrating evidence-based apps and wearables into schools, primary care and community programs, we can make healthy habits more appealing and accessible for young people.
"This review brings together global evidence to understand when and how these tools work best. Short bursts of programs are ideal for lifting activity levels, while longer ones are better for weight management.
"These online tools worked as well as, and sometimes better than, traditional in-person health programs.
"Combining digital tools with light human support - from teachers, parents or health coaches - can also help keep motivation high.
"If we can encourage the use of healthy digital tools from a young age, we have a real opportunity to help children and teens form healthier habits that last a lifetime."
