Obesity Prevention and Control: Mass Media Interventions to Reduce Screen Time

Task Force Finding and Rationale Statement

Definition

Screen time is time spent watching TV, videotapes, or DVDs; playing video or computer games; and surfing the Internet. Components of behavioral interventions to reduce screen time (mostly "TV time reduction") include skills building, tips, goal setting, reinforcement techniques, workbooks, messages, TV turnoff challenges, and family support.

Task Force Finding

The Community Preventive Services Task Force found insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of mass media campaigns to reduce screen time or change weight-related behaviors and outcomes because there were no available studies.

Rationale

The Task Force was unable to determine the effectiveness of mass media campaigns to reduce measured screen time or change weight-related behaviors and outcomes because there were no existing studies.

Review completed: January 2008