Coventry expert is concerned by children's relationship with exercise
It's after a new survey has revealed how long under 16s spend on technology, distracting them from regular activity
Nearly a quarter of children spend more than four hours a day on an internet-enabled device, a survey for the Children's Commissioner has suggested.
Dame Rachel de Souza has called for "stronger action" to protect children from harmful content online beyond the classroom - including a possible social media ban for children under 16, or restricting smartphone use for all children.
Parents need support in managing their children's online activities and setting "appropriate boundaries" as part of a "whole-society approach" to keeping young people safe, the Children's Commissioner for England has said.
A YouGov poll, of children in England aged eight to 15, found that 23% spend more than four hours a day using an internet-enabled device with a screen - such as a computer, phone, tablet or gaming console.
One in four (25%) spend two to three hours a day on such a device, while a fifth (20%) spend three to four hours a day, according to the survey which was carried out in March and April.
Whilst children are averaging four hours a day on their phones they are only exercising for an average of four hours a week.
Professor Michael Duncan, Director of Coventry University’s Research Centre for Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Sciences, says excessive screen time, among other factors, is contributing to rising obesity rates, poor posture and a lack of basic mobility skills.
Professor Duncan says: "At the moment we're seeing that children are not acquiring those building blocks for regular exercise at the ages they should.
"Children are about two to three years delayed based on our research. If they're not acquiring skills early enough, competence is not there, the confidence to engage is not there and what we see is decreased enjoyment of activities."
Professor Duncan continues to say that screen time is a contributing factor alongside the rush of modern day life.
Professor Duncan says: "Life demands can get in the way of parents encouraging their children to get off their screens and do regular activities.
"Through our research, we've had comments from parents where they know it's important to get their child active but their own job or parental responsibilities can get in the way.
"We've all got demands, so sometimes it's it's easier to let the child stay on a screen and therefore, screen time is is part of that issue."