Virtual Learning Associated with Changes in Child Health Behaviours During COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights -

Research has explored the association between school learning models (virtual vs. in-person) and child health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether these associations were modified by child's age, sex, and family income. A longitudinal cohort study was conducted among children four to 13 years from the TARGet Kids! COVID-19 Study of Children and Families between November 2020 and July 2022. The study found that virtual learning was associated with higher daily screen time, outdoor time, and physical activity, and a later sleep onset time during the pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

  • Virtual learning was associated with higher daily screen time (0.22 h; 95 % CI 0.03, 0.40) compared to in-person learning.
  • Virtual learning was also associated with higher outdoor time (0.71 h; 95 % CI 0.56, 0.86) and higher physical activity (0.64 h; 95 % CI 0.44, 0.85) compared to in-person learning.
  • Older children had higher daily outdoor time, while girls had a later sleep onset time.
  • Children with a family income greater than $150,000 reported higher daily physical activity.
  • The study included 367 children (51 % male; 7.3 (± 2.2) years) with 779 observations on school learning model.

Statistics:

  • 367 children were included in the study.
  • 779 observations on school learning model were made.
  • 51 % of the children were male.
  • The average age of the children was 7.3 (± 2.2) years.
  • Virtual learning was associated with a 0.22 h increase in daily screen time (95 % CI 0.03, 0.40).
  • Virtual learning was associated with a 0.71 h increase in daily outdoor time (95 % CI 0.56, 0.86).
  • Virtual learning was associated with a 0.64 h increase in physical activity (95 % CI 0.44, 0.85).
  • Virtual learning was associated with a 0.22 h later sleep onset time (95 % CI 0.15, 0.28).

Sources:

  • The association between learning models and child health behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Preventive Medicine Reports, 2025;54:103071).
  • Hospital for Sick Children Reports Findings in COVID-19 (The association between learning models and child health behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic). (Pediatrics Week, May 17, 2025; p 5).