A NEW study exploring ways to reduce recreational sedentary screen time (rSST) in adults has found that certain combinations of behavioural strategies can help people cut back their daily screen use by up to two hours.
The research responds to growing concerns over rising screen time due to the popularity of social media, video streaming, and gaming, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Prolonged screen use, especially television viewing, is already known to be linked to numerous health risks including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, poor mental health, and even early death.
Researchers used a 16-week full-factorial randomised trial to test three intervention components, EARN (incentives and education), LOCKOUT (screen time limits), and TEXT (messaging prompts), alone and in various combinations. All versions included a CORE component with self-monitoring, goal-setting, and educational lessons. The interventions aimed to reduce screen time by at least 60 minutes per day, a target associated with significant health benefits.
The most promising outcomes came from two versions: EARN alone, which was simple and easy to implement, and a combined version of EARN, LOCKOUT, and TEXT, which offered slightly better reductions without added user burden. Although participants reduced their screen time, this change did not consistently lead to increases in physical activity, with most replacing rSST with other sedentary activities. However, such reductions are still likely to support improved health outcomes.
The study also highlighted the challenges of using custom apps on study tablets, with participants preferring access through their own devices. Technical delays in message delivery and difficulties accessing content also impacted the effectiveness of the TEXT component.
Despite some limitations, including lower-than-expected recruitment and a predominantly female sample, the study stands out for its scale, use of objective measurement tools, and modern relevance. Future research will explore whether behaviour change is maintained over time and how rSST reductions may support broader health improvements. These findings suggest meaningful screen-time reductions are achievable and lay the groundwork for more effective, scalable interventions.
Reference
Keadle SK et al. StandUPTV: a full-factorial optimization trial to reduce sedentary screen time among adults. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2025;22(1):77.
