Deakin University researchers are looking at whether quality family time spent outdoors in nature can help reduce some of the difficult child behaviours associated with screen use.
The study, led by PhD researcher Marina Torjinski and Dr Sharon Horwood from Deakin’s School of Psychology, is based on the understanding that time in natural environments has the potential to offset the screen-related problems parents often experience with their children.
“We reviewed the existing research looking at children’s screen use and engagement with nature within the family context and found that positive family experiences around nature can help shift children’s intentions away from indoor screen-based activities,” Miss Torjinski said.
“On an individual level, where problematic screen use can lead to increases in stress, cognitive fatigue and behavioural problems in children, time spent in natural environments can reduce levels of physical and psychological stress, improve cognitive processes, mood, and help children regulate their emotional states and behaviours.
“Our research also shows that shared family experiences in nature also promotes positive parent-child interactions which are important for bonding and overall family wellbeing.
“It appears that excessive screen use and time in nature influence the parent-child relationship in opposite ways, however more research is needed to understand this process,” Miss Torjinski said.
The research team are looking for parents willing to take part in the study by completing an international parent survey which looks at how children’s screen use and engagement with nature interact with family dynamics.
“We would love to hear from parents of children aged between five and eight so we can learn about their screen time and nature-based family routines and experiences,” Miss Torjinski said.
“We would especially love to hear from fathers as their perspective is often under-represented in family research.”
Dr Horwood said that parents were often concerned about the problems screen use can create in the home and worry about their child’s development and wellbeing.
“For many parents, navigating children’s screen time often leads to feelings of parental guilt and family conflict,” Dr Horwood said.
“This research will look at whether positive family experiences, such as time spent in nature, can help reduce the common experiences of family stress and conflict about screen time.”
Parents can learn more about the study here: https://researchsurveys.deakin.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_0HhtnTokJc9n1n8
