Media-fasting in children and adolescents: a prospective study of screen-free day intentions across age groups

TL;DR

A study found that a media-fasting intervention increased screen-free days in younger children more than in adolescents.

Contribution

The study shows that media-fasting interventions have age-dependent effects, particularly benefiting younger children.

Findings

Younger children reported more screen-free days than adolescents before and after the intervention.

Intentions for screen-free days increased significantly in the 6–9 and 10–13 year age groups after the intervention.

Participants commonly avoided screens during meals and at night.

Abstract

Intensive use of screens during childhood is associated with health risks. This brief report evaluates whether a media-fasting intervention increases the number of screen-free days and intentions to reduce screen media use in different pediatric age groups. A 6-week voluntary intervention, including pre- and post-intervention surveys, was conducted in six pediatric practices (North Rhine-Westphalia, spring 2019). Among 407 children and adolescents initially enrolled, 229 completed the post-intervention survey (43.7% drop-out); 169 were matched for pre/post analysis. “Screen-free days” were defined as 24 h with no recreational screen exposure. Data were self-reported; SES was not assessed. Adjusted mixed-effects models were employed to appropriately account for the longitudinal structure of the data across measurement occasions. Younger children reported significantly more screen-free days than adolescents, both pre- and post-intervention. Intentions for screen-free days increased after the intervention, especially in the 6–9 and 10–13 year groups. Most participants already avoided screens during meals and at night. Neither age nor gender was significantly associated with screen time.

Conclusion: Media-fasting may promote more frequent screen-free days, particularly in younger children. Owing to substantial attrition, the absence of SES data, and reliance on self-reports, findings should be interpreted with caution.

What is Known:• Excessive childhood screen use is linked to adverse health outcomes.• Interventions for reducing screen time have shown inconsistent efficacy.What is New:• This study demonstrates age-dependent effects of a brief media-fasting intervention.• Simple family-targeted approaches may promote screen-free days in younger youth.

What is Known:

• Excessive childhood screen use is linked to adverse health outcomes.

• Interventions for reducing screen time have shown inconsistent efficacy.

What is New:

• This study demonstrates age-dependent effects of a brief media-fasting intervention.

• Simple family-targeted approaches may promote screen-free days in younger youth.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00431-025-06633-4.

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