How children and adolescents spend time across the world: Work, play, and developmental opportunities.

Abstract

The authors review studies on time use of children and adolescents around the world and discuss developmental implications of population differences. Industrialization and schooling are linked to dramatic declines in time spent on household and wage labor. This labor is often unchallenging, sometimes hazardous; developmental benefits often do not increase above a limited number of hours; hence, reduction in these activities opens time for activities that may be more developmentally beneficial. Adolescents in East Asian postindustrial societies spend this freed-up time in schoolwork, a use associated with lower intrinsic motivation but high achievement and economic productivity. Adolescents in North America spend more time in leisure, associated with greater self-direction but of an uncertain relation to development. Age, gender, and socioeconomic differences in activities and with whom time is spent are also considered.

Intensity and Breadth of Participation in Organized Activities During the Adolescent Years: Multiple Associations with Youth Outcomes

“…As for intensity, the more time youth spend in activities, the greater the opportunities will be to strengthen their skills and knowledge, and to engage in interpersonal transactions with activity peers and leaders Larson & Verma, 1999). In other words, youth who spend a lot of time in activities are provided with greater exposure to factors that are likely to promote positive development (Gardner et al, 2008).…”

Patterns of participation in recreational and leisure activities among children with complex physical disabilities

“…For children, participation in day-to-day formal and informal activities is vital. Recognition of the importance of involvement in activity centers on its positive influence on the development of skills and competences, social relationships, and long-term mental and physical health (Werner 1989, Caldwell and Gilbert 1990, Lyons 1993, Larson and Verma 1999, Simeonsson et al 2001, Forsyth and Jarvis 2002.…”

Exploring the Positive Peer and Identity Experiences Occurring in Australian Adolescents' Leisure Activities

“…Adolescents spend more than half of their waking hours in leisure activities (Larson & Verma, 1999). The way in which youth choose to spend this time can have an impact on their development and thus it is important to identify which leisure contexts provide youth with positive developmental experiences.…”