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Description
Excessive screen time is linked to a lack of exercise and can cause mental health problems. Preventing sedentary behaviour and promoting physical activity in children is one of the WHO''s objectives. In the Czech Republic (CR) in 2016, almost 78% of children did not get enough physical activity. Digital devices overuse and sedentary behaviour are associated with lower wellbeing, reduced self-esteem and school performance, and occurrence of anxiety, depression, or addiction. The main aim of the project is to promote children''s mental health through sedentary behaviour prevention and active lifestyle promotion. We also aim to raise awareness of the impact of excessive screen time on mental health. We want children to build a positive attitude towards exercise, strengthen mental resilience and develop effective coping strategies to deal with stress and emotional strain. The project will be held in kindergartens in the CR. The main target group will be children aged 2 to 6 years. Parents and teachers will also be supported. Key activity (KA) 1 will be the implementation of workshops for children supporting psychomotor development and psychological resilience. Workshops will take place daily, they will be playful with elements of imagination and mindfulness. KA 2 will be training and professional supervision for teachers in the kindergarten. The output will be a methodology that the teachers can use after the end of the project. KA3 involves seminars for parents improving knowledge and skills in the prevention of mental illnesses related to sedentary behaviour and digital technologies overuse. The project partner will be the Department of Psychology at the University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, Norway. The partner will act as an expert consultant throughout the project. We foresee cooperation in the development of methodology for teachers and educational materials for parents. It will also help to create content for workshops and to implement evaluation tools.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the alarming increase in sedentary behavior and overuse of digital devices among children, which negatively impacts their mental health, physical activity, and academic success. According to WHO and Czech statistics from 2016, nearly 78% of children did not engage in sufficient physical activity. WHO recommends reducing screen time and enhancing digital literacy as part of the prevention of mental health issues and the promotion of an active lifestyle.The project focused on preventing these issues by encouraging an active lifestyle, building psychological resilience, and teaching stress management strategies. It contributed to mitigating the negative effects of digital technologies on children, fostering healthy habits, emotional stability, and social skills, thus enhancing their overall well-being and stress resilience.Regular physical activity among preschool-aged children also supports their psychomotor development, social skills, and psychological resilience, which are crucial for coping with challenges during adolescence and adulthood.
The project was unique in combining a physiotherapeutic and psychological approach to building mental resilience. The project''s activities included:Movement workshops for children: Regularly organized in kindergartens (Velké Pavlovice, Berušky Benešov, Čtyřlístek Benešov, Pozořice, Kralice nad Oslavou, Ivaň, Božetěchova), led by trained teachers and supported by supervisors and mentors. Screening: Repeated kinesiological screening analyzed the psychomotor development of children and provided recommendations to parents. Training and supervision of teachers: Teachers underwent two training sessions focused on movement activities promoting psychomotor development and received certificates of professional competence.Workshops for parents: Topics included supporting mental resilience, healthy use of digital technologies, and the importance of rituals and play. Parents received practical advice on promoting their children''s healthy development.Collaboration with a Norwegian partner: Conducted in partnership with Prof. Lars Wichstrøm and Associate Prof. Vera Skalická from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim.Promotion of project outcomes: Included the distribution of informational leaflets and brochures, organizing awareness-raising events in Velké Pavlovice 27.5.2022 and Brno 23.3.2023, and hosting a project conference 4.11.2023 in Prague.
The project achieved its goal by comprehensively supporting the psychological resilience and mental health of children through a unique combination of physiotherapeutic and psychological approaches. Overall, the project contributed to improving the psychological resilience, motor skills, and general well-being of children. It also enhanced the competencies of parents and educators, creating a systemic support framework for the healthy development of preschool children. Below is a detailed summary of the results:1. Psychological Wellbeing and Resilience Positive changes in 73% of children: Educators reported improved psychological resilience, joy in physical activity, and enhanced cooperation among children. The children became calmer, more focused, and better able to handle stress.Improved cooperation and social relationships: Through physical activities, relationships among children in groups improved, boosting their self-confidence.2. Motor Development of Children Improved motor skills: Tangible results showed that the proportion of children with a normal posture increased from 24.57% to 30.79%, while the occurrence of passive posture decreased by over 5%. Significant improvement was also noted in balance when standing on one leg, with the proportion of children meeting the standard rising from 17.62% to 33.10%.Enhanced coordination and stability: Children improved their ability to navigate obstacles and other motor skills, promoting overall motor development and health.3. Parental Competence. Increased family activity: 95% of parents reported regularly participating in physical activities with their children. Time spent on physical activities outside of kindergarten increased, particularly on weekends, when children engaged in 3 to 6 hours of physical activity.Healthier approach to digital technologies: Parent workshops helped reduce the risk of excessive screen time. 86% of parents acknowledged the risks of addiction to digital technologies and their potentially negative effects on children’s physical and mental development.4. Educator Support. Engagement of educators: 37 educators underwent training and supervision, with 92% stating that the project increased their awareness of the importance of movement for children’s psychological resilience.Changes in classroom practices: Physical activities were successfully integrated into daily routines, including exercises promoting proper posture, coordination, and relaxation. Children became more independent and developed better motor skills.5. Overall Impact of the ProjectParticipation of 613 children: All children underwent initial and final kinesiological examinations, allowing for progress monitoring.Sustainable outcomes: Methodologies and practical materials for parents and educators were developed, ensuring that the activities can continue even after the project ends.SourcesThe following documents were utilized:Summary Report on Acquired Competencies - Parents (School Year 2022/2023)Summary Report on Acquired Competencies - EducatorsReport on the Psychomotor Development of Children Participating in the Project.
Summary of bilateral results
The Norwegian partner, in particular, contributed expertise to the conference "Psychological Resilience and Movement in Children in the Digital Age". His presentation focused on experiences with mental health, the use of digital technologies and physical activities in children in Norway. Valuable results of longitudinal research on screen time in children and the occurrence of depressive and anxiety disorders in later life were presented or the influence of media on understanding emotions. The Norwegian partner significantly contributed to the construction of a questionnaire measuring the acquired competencies of parents who attended our seminars. Thanks to the participation of the Norwegian partner, the project gained inspiration from Norwegian studies and best practices, which were integrated into the methodology and educational materials aimed at supporting psychomotor development and psychological resilience in children.The participation of Norwegian experts at the conference increased the prestige of the event and contributed to better dissemination of the project outputs among the wider professional public, which supported the implementation of the project''s communication strategy. The collaboration enabled the sharing of different approaches and perspectives on mental health and prevention issues in the field of digital media, which led to richer content in educational workshops and methodological materials. Overall, the collaboration with the Norwegian partner helped the project achieve its goals more effectively.