Research
After-school care program linked to better activity and screen-time practices
Services that completed Activated OSHC showed improvements, but the study found no significant overall change across all intervention services.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that after-school care services in Australia that completed the Activated OSHC program improved their practices for physical activity and screen time. The free online training and accreditation program helps services create policies to encourage activity and reduce screen use.
Researchers tested the program in almost 200 services caring for approximately 10,000 children. While 80% of intervention services registered, fewer than half completed the training and policy requirements for accreditation. Across all intervention services, the study found no significant improvement in overall guideline adherence or children’s physical activity. Lead researcher Carol Maher said services that completed the program showed improvements in staff practices, the care environment and children’s activity. The researchers plan to study ways to help more services complete the program.
