Actual problems of physical development of children in the age of digital technologies

Abstract

The active spread of digital technologies all over the world, the mobile availability of high-speed Internet have caused a sharp increase in the time the population spends at the screens of smartphones, tablets, televisions and other media devices. In particular, this tendency influenced the model of behavior of the younger generation in relation to health, lifestyle, and the level of physical activity. The sedentary lifestyle of children and adolescents, associated with screen addiction, causes various diseases, social problems, poor academic performance, and negatively affects the indicators of their physical and mental health. The current study presents data that reflect the dynamic relationship of "screen time" with indicators of physical development of adolescents. The participants were children of primary school age from 6 to 10 years old (n-74). Measurements were carried out using fitness tests, anthropometry, questionnaires, self-report diaries of physical activity and time spent by the study participants with digital technology. The paper discusses the main effective means and methods to improve the motivation of young people for regular exercise. Actions for the formation of a strategy for the behavior of the younger generation in ways of interacting with digital technologies are outlined.