Impact of Screen time and Indoor activities on Anxiety and Behavior Patterns on Academic Performance among Schoolchildren- A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction

Inthe modern digital age, schoolchildren are increasingly exposed to screens and indooractivities. The proliferation of smartphones, tablets, computers, and videogames has led to a significant rise in screen time among children. Whiletechnology has its benefits, excessive screen time and limited outdooractivities have raised concerns about their impact on children’s mental healthand academic performance. This proposal outlines a research study toinvestigate the influence of screen time and indoor activities on anxietylevels and academic performance among schoolchildren in Greater Noida, India.

Objectives

The primaryobjectives of this research study are as follows:

1. To assess theextent of screen time and indoor activity engagement among schoolchildren inGreater Noida, India.

2. To examinethe relationship between screen time and indoor activities with anxiety levelsamong schoolchildren.

3. Toinvestigate how screen time and indoor activities affect the academicperformance of schoolchildren.

4.To provide recommendations for parents, educators, and policymakers to mitigatepotential negative effects.

Methodology

1. Sampling

Sample size was calculated using Raosoft sample size calculator using 5% of margin of error, with a 95% confidence interval and 50% response distribution, the total sample size calculated was 377.Arandom sample of schoolchildren (grades 1-12) will be selected from variousschools in Greater Noida, ensuring representation from different socioeconomicbackgrounds and educational institutions.

2. Data Collection

 2.1. Surveys and Questionnaires

Participantswill be asked to complete surveys and questionnaires, including:

-A screen time log to record daily device usage.

-An anxiety assessment questionnaire (SPENCE CHILDREN’S ANXIETY SCALE)

-Academic performance records (grades, test scores, and attendance).

2.2. Interviews

In-depthinterviews will be conducted with a subset of participants and theirparents/guardians to gain insights into their screen time habits, indooractivities, and the perceived impact on anxiety and academic performance.

3. Data Analysis

Statisticalanalysis will be carried out using appropriate software (e.g., SPSS or R). Thefollowing analyses will be performed:

-Descriptive statistics to summarize screen time, indoor activities, anxietylevels, and academic performance.

-Correlation and regression analysis to identify relationships betweenvariables.

-Qualitative analysis of interview data to understand the subjective experiencesand perspectives of participants.

4. Ethical Considerations

Ethical approval was obtained from Departmental Ethics Committee Ref:DEC/FEA/PT/06/23.-Informed consent will be obtained from participants and theirparents/principal or class teacher.

-Data confidentiality and anonymity will be ensured.

-The study will adhere to ethical guidelines for research involving humansubjects.

Expected Outcomes

Theresearch aims to provide valuable insights into the impact of screen time andindoor activities on anxiety levels and academic performance amongschoolchildren in Greater Noida. The findings may reveal correlations,contributing factors, and potential consequences. The expected outcomesinclude:

1.A better understanding of how screen time and indoor activities affect thewell-being of schoolchildren.

2.Identification of risk factors and protective factors related to anxiety andacademic performance.

3.Recommendations for parents, educators, and policymakers to promote healthierscreen time habits and outdoor activities among schoolchildren.

Conclusion

Thisresearch study will contribute to the existing knowledge on the relationship betweenscreen time, indoor activities, anxiety levels, and academic performance amongschoolchildren in Greater Noida, India. The findings will have implications forthe development of strategies and interventions to support the well-being andeducational outcomes of this population. We seek approval and funding toconduct this important research study and make a meaningful impact on the livesof schoolchildren in Greater Noida.