Physical activity and screen time in Australian Outside School Hours Care: current versus best practice
Abstract Background Outside school hours care (OSHC) is accessed by millions of children internationally. Recently, physical activity and screen time guidelines in OSHC were developed. This study described the current physical activity and screen time scheduling in Australian OSHC, obtained sector feedback on the guidelines and compared current- with best-practice. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was administered to n=3551 Australian OSHC directors. Participants reported scheduling for physical activity and screen time opportunities in before- and after-school care. Feedback was sought on the new guidelines, including barriers and enablers for implementation. Scheduling data were used to evaluate whether services were currently meeting the new guidelines. Results 566 directors participated. Physical activity and screen time practices varied widely (e.g. after-school physical activity opportunity ranged from 15 minutes to 150 minutes, mean 74, SD 28; after-school screen time opportunity ranged from 15 to 195 minutes, mean 89, SD 43), with state (p=0.002) and socioeconomic (p<0.001) differences. Most participants were supportive of the guideline’s recommended physical activity and screen time durations. Three in five OSHC services did not currently meet the guidelines. Conclusions Physical activity and screen time scheduling in OSHC is highly variable. Current practice in the majority of OSHC services does not meet best practice guidelines.