Physical activity, sedentary screen time and bullying behaviors: exploring differences between adolescents with and without disabilities

The study's purpose was to examine the prevalence of sedentary screen time behaviour and physical activity (PA) participation, and their association with environmental (socioeconomic status, bullying behaviours) and personal factors (age, sex). We analysed data from the 2013-14 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey among Israeli adolescents aged 11-17 [N = 4,241; 56% female; 9.3% = adolescents with disability (AWD)]. A minority (<10%) of all participants complied with the 2010 World Health Organization global PA recommendations. AWD were significantly more involved in bullying behaviours. PA participation was significantly decreased in AWD in grades 6 and 8 compared to adolescents without disability. Furthermore, > 30% of AWD and adolescents without disability engaged in sedentary screen time >3 hours/day. In conclusion, AWD in grades 6 and 8 should be given specific attention, to reduce the likelihood of bullying at school and to increase the inclusion of AWD in PA lessons.

Automated summary

This study found that a small proportion of adolescents met the global physical activity recommendations, adolescents with disabilities were more involved in bullying behaviors, and their physical activity was significantly reduced compared to those without disabilities. Specific attention should be given to adolescents with disabilities in grades 6 and 8 to reduce the likelihood of bullying and increase their participation in physical activity lessons.