Suggested citation:
Hamid, K. S., & Hasanuzzaman, K. M. (2025). Impact of Screen Time on Physical Activity and Eating Habits: A
Case Study of Promoting Healthier Lifestyles in a School of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Universal Journal of
Educational Research, 4(3), 268-276.
UNIVERSAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
2960-3714 (Print) / 2960-3722 (Online)
Volume 4, Issue 3, 2025
Impact of Screen Time on Physical Activity and Eating Habits: A Case Study of
Promoting Healthier Lifestyles in a School of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Khondokar Sabera Hamid
1*
, Khan Md. Hasanuzzaman
2
South Point School and College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
1
Ministry of Public Administration, Government of Bangladesh
2
[email protected]
*
ABSTRACT
This research looks for the effects of screen time on physical activity and eating behavior among
primary school children in a school located in Dhaka City. The significance of the research lies in
the increasing concerns regarding the effect that screen time has on children's health, alongside
the unique opportunity schools have in encouraging healthy behavior, through incorporating
physical activity and nutrition education within the students' daily lives. In this study, data was
gathered through interviews with 20 parents, 10 teachers, and the head teacher, as well as focus
group discussions with 30 students. The teacher interviews focused on the school’s strategies to
integrate physical activity and health education into the curriculum. The head teacher’s interview
provided insights into the school’s broader health initiatives, while the focus group discussions
with students revealed their screen time habits, physical activity preferences, and eating
behaviors. The findings indicated the most important position schools can play in fostering a
healthier lifestyle. Physical education classes, health promotion programs, and parental
involvement positively impact students' levels of physical activity and nutrition. Challenges like
small outdoor space at home and busy schedule of the parents hinder the way, whereas the
school's initiative seems to be turning the tide toward healthier habits. It concludes with
recommendations for schools to continue strengthening their health initiatives and collaborate
with parents to reduce screen time, increase physical activity, and promote better nutrition for
the well-being of children in urban settings.
Keywords:
screen time, physical activity, eating habits, primary school children, childhood obesity, parental
involvement